Codes and Frequencies
Description
For sample adults who had used natural herbs for their health (2002) or had used herbal supplements (2007) during the past 12 months (HERYR) and had told a conventional medical professional about their use of herbs (HERYLCONVHP), HERYLPSYCHI indicates whether they had reported their herb use to a psychiatrist.
Data Collection and Related Variables
In 2002, interviewers asked, "During the past 12 months, did you let any of these conventional medical professionals know about your use of natural herbs?" In 2007, the question was nearly identical but referred to "herbs" rather than "natural herbs." In both years, the interviewer then handed the respondent a card listing several types of conventional health care practitioners. If the answer was affirmative (i.e., a "Yes" response in HERYLCONVHP), interviewers asked the follow-up question, "Which ones [did you tell]?" and noted, "You may choose more than one."
In both 2002 and 2007, the list of conventional medical professionals included, along with "psychiatrist":
- Medical doctor (including specialists) (HERYLMD)
- Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant (HERYLNURS)
- Dentist (including specialists) (HERYLDENT)
In 2007, the list included additional categories of conventional medical professionals:
- Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) (HERLDO)
- Psychologist/Social Worker (HERLPSYCHO)
- Pharmacist (HERLPHARM)
For more information about the full range of variables related to natural herbs, including a definition of "natural herbs," see HERYR.
Comparability
As noted in the description of this variable, the list of conventional medical practitioners on the card shown to respondents was shorter in 2002 than in 2007.
For example, the only type of mental health professional listed in 2002 was "psychiatrist"; in 2007, however, both "psychiatrist" and "psychologist/social worker" were listed. Some respondents may have treated "psychiatrist" as a general category for "mental health professional/therapist" in 2002, but this was probably less common in 2007, when psychologists and social workers were accorded a separate category on the flashcard.
Researchers may wish to try combining the psychiatrist and psychologist/social worker categories to increase comparability for HERYLPSYCHI between 2002 and 2007.
Only sample adults with a positive response in HERYLCONVHP are included in the question universe for HERYLPSYCHI. For discussion of comparability issues for HERYLCONVHP, see the documentation for that variable.
Universe
- 2002: Sample adults age 18+ who have used natural herbs for their health during the past 12 months and have let a conventional medical professional know about their use of natural herbs.
- 2007: Sample adults age 18+ who have used herbal supplements during the past 12 months and have let a conventional medical professional know about their use of herbs.
Availability
- 2002, 2007
Weights
- 2002, 2007 : SAMPWEIGHT
