Description

Among sample adults who have ever worked in 1988 and sample adults who were ever diagnosed with emphysema (EMPHYSEMEV) in 2002 and 2007, EMPHYSEMYR indicates whether the person had emphysema during the past 12 months. Although the question about emphysema during the past year was only included in 2002 and 2007, sample adults who were ever diagnosed by a doctor or health professional as having emphysema can be identified for 1997 forward (EMPHYSEMEV).

The Field Representative's Manual for 2002 and 2007 provided the following definition of emphysema: "Emphysema is an abnormal enlargement or distension of the air sacs of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. Usually chronic and progressive, the condition is associated with heredity, smoking, and long-standing respiratory ailments such as chronic bronchitis." This definition was not routinely shared with respondents.

Comparability

Changes in the universe affect the raw frequency but should not affect the comparability of this variable. As always, users are advised to use the appropriate weight for their analyses.

Universe

Availability

• 1988, 2002, 2007

Weights

• 2002, 2007 : SAMPWEIGHT
• 1988 : SUPP2WT