Codes and Frequencies
Description
HER1USMEDFAIL indicates whether sample adults had used a first herbal supplement because medical treatments did not help. Only sample adults who had taken one or more herbal supplements during the past 30 days (HERMOSUPNO) were asked their reasons for using herbal supplements.
For other reasons for using a first herbal supplement, see HER1USWELL. For information about the full range of variables related to natural herbs, including a definition of "natural herbs," see HERYR.
Comparability
Prior to 2012, in universe persons were asked about a series of specific health problems, symptoms, or conditions they may have treated with different complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. Beginning in 2012, persons were instead asked to select three of sixteen therapies that were most important and only asked the series of questions related to treating health problems, symptoms, or conditions about these top three therapies. Persons who did not include a first herbal supplement among their top three CAM therapies did not answer follow up questions for this therapy beginning in 2012 and are reported as responding no. Otherwise, there are no comparability issues.
Universe
- 2007: Sample adults age 18+ who have taken one or more herbal supplements during the past 30 days.
- 2012: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children ages 4-17 who have reported having at least one top CAM therapy and using this therapy to treat a specific health problem or condition.
Availability
- 2007, 2012
Weights
- 2007 : SAMPWEIGHT
- 2012 : SUPP4WT
