CIGSDAYFS is a 2 column wide variable with no implied decimals.
00: NIU
94: 94 or more
95: Varied
96: Never smoked cigarettes regularly
97: Unknown-refused
98: Unknown-not ascertained
99: Unknown-don't know
Description
For sample adults who do not currently smoke (SMOKFREQNOW) and used to smoke regularly (SMOKAGEREG), CIGSDAYFS indicates the approximate number of cigarettes per day they usually smoked when they smoked regularly. Respondent could report a number (from 1 to 94 cigarettes) or indicate "varied." Please see the Universe tab for changes to the universe over time.
Since this question was asked of all former smokers, sample adults could also reply they never smoked regularly. The Field Representative's Manual specified that smoking regularly was respondent defined and "If asked about what this means, the interviewer should say that "It is whatever you consider as first starting to smoke fairly regularly."
Comparability
While the basic meaning of this variable is completely comparable over time, major questionnaire changes introduced in 2019 may affect comparability with earlier years. 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
- 2005: Sample adults 18+ who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their life and are former smokers.
- 2010; 2015: Sample adults 18+ who are former smokers and had smoked regularly in the past.
- 2020: Sample adults age 18+ who do not currently smoke (SMOKFREQNOW) and used to smoke regularly (SMOKAGEREG).
Availability
- 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020
Weights
- 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020 : SAMPWEIGHT
