Description

HEPATEV identifies sample adults (and, in 1989, sample children) who ever had hepatitis. The question wording, "Have you ever had hepatitis?," did not specify that the condition had to be diagnosed by a doctor or other health professional. In 2020, HEPATEV is only asked of sample adults interviewed in quarter 3 or 4.

Hepatitis, which was not defined in the survey documentation, is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection.

Comparability

While the basic meaning of this variable is completely comparable over time, major questionnaire changes introduced in 2019 may affect comparability with earlier years. 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.

In 2020, this question was only fielded beginning in quarter 3. Analysts will need to adjust the sampling weight to account for the limited collection period. For an example of how to do this, including sample code, please see the sampling weight adjustment section of the Variance Estimation User Note.

Universe

Availability

• 1983, 1988, 2000-2018, 2020-2021

Weights

• 1988, 2000-2018, 2020-2021 : SAMPWEIGHT
• 1983 : SUPP1WT