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FLMEALDIFF
How difficult to prepare meals
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Codes and Frequencies



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Description

For persons who have any difficulty preparing their own meals because of a health problem, FLMEALDIFF indicates whether the person has some difficulty, a lot of difficulty, or is unable to prepare his or her meals. Please see Comparability and Universe tabs for changes in universe and question wording between samples.

 

In 1994 and 1995, this variable is part of the Disability Supplement (NHIS-D) that collects information on disability. NHIS-D included two household interviews: in Phase I all members of sample families were screened for any indication of disability; in Phase II persons with any indication of disability were followed-up for additional information. Phase I includes sensory, communication, and mobility problems; health conditions; activities of daily living and independent activities of daily living; functional limitations; mental health; services and benefits; special health needs of children; early child development; education; relationship to respondent; and perceived disability. Phase II includes four Disability Followback Survey (DFS) questionnaires: one for children, one for adults, one for elderly persons (69 years of age and over) without any indication of disability (also called the Supplement on Aging or SOA; only in 1994), and one for persons with a history of polio.

This variable is part of a series of variables related to the difficulty of doing various activities due to a physical/mental health condition, the use of help from others to carry on such activities, and the number of years this difficulty has persisted. For related variables, please use the IPUMS NHIS search function and drop-down menus.

Comparability

Changes in universe and question wording limit comparability between samples.

In 1984, this question was asked of sample persons ages 55 and older who have any difficulty with this activity. That year, the person was asked "By yourself, how much difficulty do you have" with this activity.

In 1986, this question was asked of persons ages 65 and older who have any difficulty with this actvity. That year, the person was asked "By yourself and without using special equipment, how much difficulty do you have" with this activity.

In 1994 and 1995, this question was asked of persons ages 18 and older whose household respondent did not refuse to complete the National Health Interview Survey-Disability Survey (NHIS-D) Phase I questionnaire, who were not reported as needing any help or supervision with any instrumental activities of daily life (IADLs), and who had any difficulty with this activity. That year, the household respondent was asked "How much difficulty does [the person] have" with this activity.

Universe

  • 1984: Sample persons age 55+ who have difficulty preparing their own meals because of a health or physical problem.
  • 1986: Persons age 65+ who have difficulty preparing their own meals because of a health or physical problem.
  • 1994-1995: Persons age 18+ in the NHIS-D Phase I sample who did not get help or supervision for any instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) but who have difficulty preparing their own meals because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem.

Availability

  • 1984, 1986, 1994-1995

Weights