Description

For sample adults aged 18 and older, IMSUPEV reports whether the respondent has ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that his/her immune system is weakened.

If necessary, the interviewer will explain to the sample person that a weakened immune system is also called immune compromised or immune suppressed. It means that somebody is not able to fight infections and it is usually caused by an underlying illness or by various medical treatments or prescription medications.

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