Description

This variable indicates whether the respondent, or anyone in the respondent's family (for 1971, 1977, 1979, and 1980) wore contacts at the time of the interview.

Please see the Comparability tab for more information on changes in the universe.

Comparability

There was a significant change in the variable universe, with all persons included for 1971, 1977, 1979, and 1980, only sample children age 3 to 17 in 1981, and sample adults older than 55 years who weren't blind in both eyes in 1984. In 1971, 1977, 1979, and 1980, a respondent representing the family (a proxy) could answer the question for CONTACTS for other adult family members. Adult respondents also reported for children for all child health questions, though this is not considered proxy reporting. In 1984, except in rare cases where disability precluded self-reporting, sample persons sample adults answered the question themselves. Because self-reporting is likely to be more accurate than proxy reporting, researchers should exercise caution when comparing results between the 1971, 1977, 1979, and 1980 surveys and the two later years.

In 1988, this variable was only asked of sample adults who worked at a civilian job in the past 2 weeks.

Universe

Availability

• 1971, 1977, 1979-1981, 1984, 1988

Weights

• 1971, 1977, 1979-1980 : PERWEIGHT
• 1981, 1984 : SAMPWEIGHT
• 1988 : SUPP2WT