Description

For sample adults aged 18 and older who have ever been told by a doctor/other health professional that they had a weakened immune system, IMSPMED reports whether in the past 6 months, the sample person has taken prescription medication or has had any medical treatments that a doctor or other health professional told him/her would weaken his/her immune system. Examples include steroid or corticosteroid pills, such as prednisone, or other oral or injected medications for treating many types of autoimmune conditions or certain cancers.

This variable is part of the Adult Immunosuppression (AIS) section which consists of seven questions sponsored by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD, CDC). The purpose of the questions is to estimate the number and percentage of adults with weakened immune systems--both lifetime (IMSUPEV) and current (IMSPSL)--and to ask about possible reasons for their immune compromised state (i.e., from medications (IMSPMED), chronic illnesses or serious health conditions (IMSPCHC, IMSPSHC), cancer (IMSPCAN), or repeated infections or colds (IMSPCLD). For related variables and more information about this supplement, please use the IPUMS NHIS search function and drop-down menus.

Comparability

There are no comparability issues.

Universe

Availability

• 2013

Weights

• 2013 : SAMPWEIGHT