Description

For sample persons aged 55 or older in 1984, and for all persons aged 18 or older in the National Health Interview Survey-Disability Survey (NHIS-D) Phase I sample in 1994 and 1995, FLGRASPYN reports if the person has difficulty using his or her fingers to grasp or handle objects. Please see Comparability tab for changes in question wording between samples.

This variable is part of a series of variables related to the difficulty of doing various activities which may be expected in a work setting or in housework, and the number of years this difficulty has persisted.

Comparability

Aside from changes in universe, question wording changed between the 1984 sample and 1994/1995 samples. In 1984, persons were asked if, by themselves and without using aids, they have any difficulty using their fingers to grasp or handle. In 1994 and 1995, a household respondent was asked if any adults in the family "have any difficulty using fingers to grasp or handle something such as picking up a glass from a table." Unlike 1984, a family respondent answered as a proxy for all persons ages 18 and older in 1994 and 1995.

Universe

Availability

• 1984, 1994-1995

Weights

• 1984 : SAMPWEIGHT
• 1994-1995 : SUPP3WT