Description

For sample adults (and, for 2008 only, sample children), DENPDRYM indicates the person had a problem with dry mouth in the past six months. Starting in 2021, this was redefined as persistent dry mouth over 12 months.

In 2021, DENPDRYM is one of several questions sponsored by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) to gather information on smell and taste disorders in adults. For more information and a complete list of these variables, see the description for TSTSMDOC.

Comparability

Changes to the universe and the definition of a persistently dry mouth, as well as changes introduced by the 2019 NHIS redesign affect comparability. In 2008, the universe included both sample children and sample adults. Starting in 2021, DENPDRYM was available only for sample children and the respondents were asked about experiencing a persistently dry mouth over a 12-month range rather than a 6-month range.

Additionally, comparability between 2008 and 2021 may be affected by changes to the universe over time and the 2019 questionnaire redesign. 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

• 2008, 2021

Weights

• 2008, 2021 : SAMPWEIGHT