Codes and Frequencies
Description
LABATHDIFF reports the amount of difficulty the person faces when bathing or showering.
In 1994 and 1995, this variable is part of the Disability Supplement (NHIS-D) that collects information on disability. NHIS-D included two household interviews: in Phase I all members of sample families were screened for any indication of disability; in Phase II persons with any indication of disability were followed-up for additional information. Phase I includes sensory, communication, and mobility problems; health conditions; activities of daily living and independent activities of daily living; functional limitations; mental health; services and benefits; special health needs of children; early child development; education; relationship to respondent; and perceived disability. Phase II includes four Disability Followback Survey (DFS) questionnaires: one for children, one for adults, one for elderly persons (69 years of age and over) without any indication of disability (also called the Supplement on Aging or SOA; only in 1994), and one for persons with a history of polio.
Comparability
A change occurred in the wording of the question over the years. In 1984, the question was worded as: "By yourself, how much difficulty do you have..." In 1986 and 1998, the question was modified to: "By yourself and without using special equipment, how much difficulty do you have..."
The ages of persons included in the universe changed over time and additional universe restrictions apply in certain years. Please refer to the universe tab for specific information about the universe in each year.
Changes in survey design (e.g., quarters in which the supplement was collected) may affect raw frequencies, but do not affect comparability of the variable. As always, data users should use the prescribed IPUMS NHIS weights.
Universe
- 1984: Sample persons age 55+ who have difficulty bathing or showering.
- 1986: Persons age 65+ who have difficulty bathing or showering.
- 1994-1995: Persons in the NHIS-D Phase I sample aged 5+ who reported no help, reminding, someone close by, or special equipment for activities of daily living (ADLs) and also reported difficulty with bathing or showering.
- 1998: Sample adults age 65+.
Availability
- 1984, 1986, 1994-1995, 1998
Weights
- 1986 : PERWEIGHT
- 1984, 1998 : SAMPWEIGHT
- 1994-1995 : SUPP3WT