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FALLERGYR
Had food allergy, past 12 months
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Codes and Frequencies



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Description

FALLERGYR identifies sample children who had "any kind of food or digestive allergy" during the past 12 months. Interviewers asked the broad opening question, "During the past 12 months, has [name] had any of the following conditions?" with food allergy one of many conditions named. The inquiry did not specify that the allergy had to be diagnosed by a doctor or other health professional, nor did it limit allowed responses to allergies of a particular severity (i.e., those severe enough to require treatment or medication).

Starting in 2021, FALLERGYR identifies both sample adults and sample children ages 0-17 who have had “reactions such as hives, vomiting, trouble breathing, or throat tightening that occur within two hours of eating a specific food” and if they have “an allergy to one or more foods?”. The follow-up question to this is FOALERGYEV. The ordering of these questions is deliberate and is used to distinguish between individuals who self-diagnose and individuals who have been diagnosed by a health professional. Individuals are first asked if they have a current food allergy, if they respond with "yes", they will be then asked if the allergy was diagnosed by a health professional.

Related Allergy Variables 1997-2018 

For sample children in 1997-2018, information was also collected on whether the following types of allergies were present during the past 12 months:

  • Hay fever (HAYFEVERYR) (also asked of sample adults in 1997 forward)

In 2002, sample adults were also asked if they had ever been told by a doctor or health professional that they had an allergic reaction to medication (MALLERGYEV). Respondents with an affirmative response to MALLERGYEV (Ever told had medication allergy) were asked if they had an allergic reaction to medication during the past 12 months (MALLERGYR).

For sample adults, inquiries into food allergies were included in the 2002 survey instrument, however, these questions were phrased differently than the questions asked of sample children. Specifically, sample adults were asked, "Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had an allergic reaction to food or odors?" (FOALERGYEV) and, if so, "During the past 12 months, have you had an allergic reaction to food or odors?" (FOALERGYR).

In 2007 only, interviewers asked respondents if the sample child had any other allergies besides hay fever or respiratory, food, or skin allergies during the past 12 months (OTHALLERGYR).

Related Allergy Variables 2019 forward 

In 2021, the purpose of collection information on allergies was as follows:

Allergies are a result of our immune system developing antigens against a substance. Depending on the severity of allergy symptoms that can range from mild irritation to life-threatening anaphylactic shock, allergies can affect daily life. Prevalent allergies are a public health concern and require informed implementation of practices to ensure safe environments.

It should be noted that adults and children differ in frequency and kind of allergies that are experienced.

Comparability

Comparability 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

  • 1997-2018: Sample children under age 18.
  • 2021: Sample adults 18+ and sample children 0-17

Availability

  • 1997-2018, 2021

Weights