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LACOMDIFEGO
Amount of difficulty communicating in usual language
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Description

LACOMDIFEGO reports whether respondents had difficulty communicating (either understanding or being understood) when using their usual language. LACOMDIFEGO is an item on all three of the Washington Group scales included in the NHIS data collection for sample adults: the Short Set on Functioning (WG-SS), the Enhanced Set on Functioning (WG-SS Enhanced), and the Extended Set on Functioning (WG-ES). Additional information about the Washington Group measures is provided below.

In 2010, this item was collected for sample adults who completed the Quality of Life supplement (administered to approximately a quarter of sample adults). In 2011-2017, this item was collected for sample adults who completed the Adult Functioning and Disability supplement (administered to a subset of sample adults). Beginning in 2018, this item was collected for sample adults age 18 and older and was included on the sample adult questionnaire.

The Washington Group on Disability Statistics 

In 2019, functioning and disability measures included on the NHIS questionnaire were modified to align with validated, internationally-comparable disability measures developed by the Washington Group on Disability Statistics (WG). For more information about the WG initiative, other WG functioning and disability measures included on the NHIS questionnaire, and guidance for researchers about how to use the WG measures in analyses, please see our user note on the Washington Group Disability Measures.

Comparability

Aside from a change in universe and comparability challenges introduced with the 2019 redesign, this variable is comparable over time. Only one-quarter of sample adults were selected to receive the 2010 Quality of Life and 2012 Adult Functioning and Disability supplements where this information was collected. In 2011, and 2013-2017, the Adult Functioning and Disability supplements were administered to one-half of sample adults. Beginning in 2018, this item was included on the sample adult questionnaire. As always, users should employ the prescribed IPUMS NHIS weights.

Questionnaire design changes introduced in 2019 limit comparability with earlier years. The NHIS questionnaire was substantially redesigned in 2019 to introduce a different data collection structure and new content. For more information on changes in terminology, universes, and data collection methods beginning in 2019, please see the user note.

Universe

  • 2010: One quarter of sample adults, included in quality of life supplement (and excluded from family disability supplement).
  • 2011-2017: Sample adults 18+ who were selected to receive the family disability questions (FDB) and the Functioning and Disability (AFD) section.
  • 2018: Sample adults aged 18 and older.
  • 2019-2023: Sample adults age 18+.

Availability

  • 2010-2023

Weights