Description

BOWELIRINFEV identifies sample adults who were ever told by a doctor or other health professional that they had "inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel, or constipation severe enough to require medication."

Respondents who gave an affirmative answer were asked a follow-up question about whether they had this condition during the past 12 months (IRRBOWELYR). In 2007, sample adults who had the condition during the past 12 months were asked whether the specific condition they experienced was inflammatory bowel disease (BOWELINFYR), irritable bowel (IRRBOWELYR), or constipation severe enough to require medication (BOWELCONYR).

Inflammatory bowel disease refers to two chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the intestines: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In 1999, information was collected from sample adults on these conditions. CROHNEV identifies sample adults whom a doctor or other health professional ever diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. For such persons, CROHNYR identifies those who had symptoms of the condition during the past 12 months, and CROHNAGE reports age when first diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

In 2007, CONSTIPYR identifies sample children who had recurring constipation during the past 12 months. The question associated with CONSTIPYR did not specify that the condition be diagnosed by a doctor or other health professional.

Comparability

This variable is completely comparable over time.

Universe

Availability

• 2002, 2007

Weights

• 2002, 2007 : SAMPWEIGHT