Description

For sample adults, DIARETINEV identifies individuals who have ever been told by a physician or other health professional that they had diabetic retinopathy.

The Field Representative's Manual defined diabetic retinopathy as "an eye problem of diabetes that damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the tissue at the back of the eye." This definition was not routinely shared with persons. The National Eye Institute reports that diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness for American adults.

Other diabetes-related questions were periodically included in the survey; see DIABETICEV (ever told had diabetes) for a summary of these variables currently in the IPUMS NHIS.

Comparability

This variable is largely comparable over time, however 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

• 2002, 2008, 2016-2017, 2023

Weights

• 2002, 2008, 2016-2017, 2023 : SAMPWEIGHT