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DITMACYR
Used macrobiotic diet, past 12 months
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Codes and Frequencies



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Description

For sample adults in 2002, 2007 and 2012 who had ever used a macrobiotic diet for two weeks or more for health reasons (DITMACEV) and for sample children in 2007 and 2012, DITMACYR reports whether the person had used a macrobiotic diet for two weeks or more for health reasons in the past 12 months.

Special diets--including macrobiotic, Atkins, Ornish, Pritikin, South Beach, vegetarian, and Zone diets--were one of many alternative health treatment modalities included in the Complementary and Alternative Health Supplements. If respondents gave a positive response to DITMACYR, they were asked a series of follow-up questions. In addition, respondents who had used any of the specified special diets in the past 12 months were asked whether the diets were used to treat a specific medical condition and, if so, what that condition was. To learn more about these variables, please use the IPUMS NHIS drop-down menus and search function.

Definitions 

The 2002 Field Representative's Manual provides the following definition:

A macrobiotic diet is low in fat, emphasizes whole grains and vegetables, and restricts the intake of fluids. Of particular importance is the consumption of fresh, non-processed foods. Daily intakes break out as follows: 50 to 60 percent whole grains; 25 to 30 percent fresh vegetables; 5 to 10 percent beans, soy-based products, and sea vegetables; and 5 to 10 percent soups. Meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, alcohol, coffee, caffeinated tea, sweets and sugar, and strong spices are to be avoided.

This definition was not routinely shared with respondents.

The 2007 and 2012 Field Representative's Manuals provide a truncated version of that definition:

A macrobiotic diet is low in fat, emphasizes whole grains and vegetables, and restricts the intake of fluids. Of particular importance is the consumption of fresh, non-processed foods.

In 2007 and 2012 field representatives were advised to "feel free to offer [this definition] even if the respondent has not requested [it]."

Comparability

In 2007, sample children were added to the universe for this question. In 2007 only, the sample child universe was not restricted by if the sample child had ever used macrobiotic diet (DITMACEV). Because of this expanded universe, the number of negative responses for DITMACYR is much higher in 2007. Otherwise, there are no comparability issues.

Universe

  • 2002: Sample adults age 18+ who have used a macrobiotic diet for two weeks for more for health reasons.
  • 2007: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children under age 18 who have used a macrobiotic diet for two weeks or more for health reasons.
  • 2012: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children between the ages of 4 and 17 who have used a macrobiotic diet for two weeks or more for health reasons.

Availability

  • 2002, 2007, 2012

Weights