Codes and Frequencies
Description
GUIDEDOG reports whether the person currently uses a guide dog. Please see Comparability and Universe tabs for information on changes to universe 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 IIÂ 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.
In all years this question is part of a series of questions on the use of special aids.
Comparability
This variable is completely comparable for 1994 and 1995. Due to changes in universe, this variable is not comparable between pre-1994 samples and 1994-1995 samples.
This variable is completely comparable for 1977, 1979 and 1980. In these years, GUIDEDOG was reported for all persons and indicates whether the person was using a guide dog at the time of the survey.
In 1994 and 1995, GUIDEDOG was asked of for persons in the National Health Interview Survey-Disability Survey (NHIS-D) Phase I sample who were legally blind, or who have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses or contact lenses and were expected to have serious difficulty for at least the next 12 months. In those years, this variable indicates if he or she currently used a guide dog. For a complete list of aids for people with visual impairments included in 1994-1995, please see DPEYEAID7.
Universe
- 1977: All persons.
- 1979-1980: All persons.
- 1994-1995: Persons in the NHIS-D Phase I sample who were legally blind or have serious difficulty seeing and were expected to have serious difficulty for at least 12 more months.
Availability
- 1977, 1979-1980, 1994-1995
