Description

For sample adults, COMEV reports whether the person had ever seen a provider or practitioner for chiropractic care (2002 only) or for chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation (2007 and 2012). Those who answered affirmatively in 2002, 2007, or 2012 were asked whether they had seen such a provider in the past 12 months (COMYR). In 2007 only, those who answered negatively (i.e., those who had never used chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation) were asked why they had never used this treatment (see COMNEVCOST). In 2007, information was also collected on the use of chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation by sample children in the past year. In 2012, information was collected on the use of chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation in the past year by sample children between the ages of 4 and 17.

COMEV is part of a series of variables from the 2002, 2007, and 2012 supplements on Complementary and Alternative medicine. In those years, respondents were asked about their use of chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, as well as 15 other modalities of alternative medicine. For more information about the Alternative Health supplements, see ACUYR. For more information about the full range of variables related to chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, including definitions, see COMYR.

Related Variables
Additional information about the use of acupuncture was collected for respondents who reported using acupuncture in the past 12 months, including variables on frequency and cost of use. Please use the IPUMS NHIS drop-down menus and search function to explore these variables.

Comparability

Both the types of alternative medicine covered by COMEV and the wording of its associated question changed between 2002 and 2007.

In 2002, respondents were asked, "Have you ever seen a provider or practitioner for any of the following for your own health? ... Chiropractic Care."

In 2007, respondents were asked, "Have you ever seen a provider or practitioner for any of the following therapies for yourself? Please say yes or no to each. ... Chiropractic or Osteopathic Manipulation."

Researchers should therefore exercise caution when conducting analyses that include "COM" variables from both 2002 and 2007.

Universe

Availability

• 2002, 2007, 2012

Weights

• 2002, 2007 : SAMPWEIGHT
• 2012 : SUPP4WT