Codes and Frequencies
Description
For sample adults and sample children aged 3 to 17 who have fallen at least once in the past 12 months (FELYR), FELTIMETOTYR reports the total number of times the person fell in the past 12 months.
The universe for this question has changed extensively since it was first fielded in 1984. Please see the comparability and universe tabs to understand how changes in universe and survey design may affect analyses using this variable.
Prior to 2023, the question for this variable occurred as part of the Sample Adult Balance Supplement, sponsored by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. In 2023, the question for this variable occurred as part of the Sponsored Hearing section of the survey.
Comparability
Changes in the universe affect comparability over time. In early years, this variable focused on older adults but was expanded in 2016 to include sample adults of all ages with no history of balance problems and in 2023 to include all sample adults and sample children. Detailed universe definitions for each sample year can be found on the universe tab.
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
- 1984: Sample persons age 55+ who did not say that they had not fallen in the past 12 months
- 1991: Persons age 65+ who have fallen during the past 12 months.
- 2008; 2016: Sample adults age 18+ who have not fallen at least once a month on average during the past 12 months.
- 2023: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children age 3-17 who have fallen at least once in the past 12 months (FELYR).
Availability
- 1984, 1991, 2008, 2016, 2023
Weights
- 1991 : PERWEIGHT
- 1984, 2008, 2016, 2023 : SAMPWEIGHT
