Codes and Frequencies
Description
FLMEALGHELP reports whether the person receives help shopping for personal items such as toilet items or medicine. 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 limit comparability between samples.
In 1984, this question was asked of sample persons ages 55 and older who have difficulty shopping for personal items because of a health or physical problem (FLSHOPYN = 20). In 1986, this question was asked of persons ages 65 and older who have difficulty shopping for personal items because of a health or physical problem.
In 1984 and 1986, this question asked whether the person receives help from anyone in shopping for personal items such as toilet items or medicines. Other than the change in age, this variable is comparable in 1984 and 1986.
In 1994 and 1995, this question was asked of persons ages 18 and older in households that did not refuse the National Health Interview Survey-Disability Survey (NHIS-D) Phase I questionnaire. In those years, FLSHOPGHELP reports whether the person gets help or supervision from another person with shopping for personal items, such as toilet items or medicine, due to a physical, mental or emotional problem.
Universe
- 1984: Sample persons age 55+ who have difficulty shopping for personal items due to a health or physical difficulty.
- 1986: Persons age 65+ have difficulty shopping for personal items due to a health or physical difficulty.
- 1994-1995: Persons age 18+ in the NHIS-D Phase I sample.
Availability
- 1984, 1986, 1994-1995
Weights
- 1986 : PERWEIGHT
- 1984 : SAMPWEIGHT
- 1994-1995 : SUPP3WT
