Description

For sample adults who have a dizziness or balance problem that prevents them from doing things, BALEFADL indicates whether the balance or dizziness problem caused the person to change or cut back on bathing, dressing, feeding or going to the toilet themselves. The questionnaire included the instructions, "Do not include times when drinking alcohol." Interviewers were also instructed to mark "No" for respondents unable to do the activities for reasons other than balance. The Field Representative's Manual provides the example that if the respondent missed work in the previous week because of a back problem unrelated to the balance problem, then the interviewer should mark "no" for this question.

In 2008, this variable was part of the Sample Adult Balance Supplement, sponsored by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Many other variables related to changes in participation (or cutting back) in activities due to balance problems are included in the 2008 supplement.

Comparability

BALEFADL is only available for 2008.

Universe

Availability

• 2008

Weights

• 2008 : SAMPWEIGHT