Description

For sample adults aged 40 and older, BSTHEV reports if the person had ever had a blood stool or, beginning in 2015, a FIT test using a home test kit. According to the 2021 Field Representatives Manual, a Fecal Immunochemical or fecal occult blood test, also known as a FIT test, "is a type of test to check for colon cancer which tests to determine whether you have blood in your stool or bowel movement. These tests can be done at home using a kit." In 2019 only, BSTHEV was asked of all sample adults aged 40 and older who have ever had a test for colorectal cancer other than a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (COLOROTH).

Beginning in 2019, BSTHEV is collected every other year as part of a rotating core set of NHIS survey content covering preventive screening services. The 2021 Field Representatives Manual states:

Related variables

BSTHEV is one of a series of periodically-asked questions about cancer screening. Other variables containing information about blood stool or FIT tests include:

• BSTHLDMO: Month date of most recent home blood stool test

• BSTHLDYR: Date of last home blood stool test: Year

• BSTHLNO: Time since home blood stool test: Number of units

• BSTHLTP: Time since home blood stool test: Time period

• BSTHGYRR: Time since home blood stool test: Grouped years

• BSTHLGYRE: Time since home blood stool test: Estimated years

• BSTHLGYRR1: Time since home blood stool test: Grouped year recode 1 (2000 method)

• BSTHLGYRR2: Time since home blood stool test: Grouped year recode 2 (2005 method)

• BSTHYL: Reason for most recent home blood stool test

Comparability

Changes to the question wording, universe, and questionnaire changes introduced in 2019 affect the comparability of this variable. In 2015, the wording of the question changed slightly to more inclusive language. Prior to 2015, respondents were asked whether they ever had "a blood stool test, using a HOME test kit?" Beginning in 2015, respondents were asked whether they had ever had "a blood stool or FIT test, using a HOME test kit?"

Additionally, the NHIS questionnaire was substantially redesigned in 2019 to introduce a different data collection structure and new content. For more information on changes in terminology, universes, and data collection methods beginning in 2019, please see the user note.

Universe

Availability

• 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2018-2019, 2021, 2023

Weights

• 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2018-2019, 2021, 2023 : SAMPWEIGHT