Description

MULTSCLEREV identifies sample adults who ever had Multiple sclerosis. In 2002, interviewers asked, "Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had Multiple sclerosis?" In 2008, the question did not specify professional diagnosis; rather, interviewers simply asked, "Have you ever had Multiple sclerosis?"

The Mayo Clinic website provides the following definition of Multiple sclerosis:

Comparability

As noted above, the question wording for MULTSCLEREV differed between 2002 and 2008, with diagnosis by a health professional required only in 2002. However, self-diagnosis of Multiple sclerosis (at least without eventual professional evaluation) seems unlikely, so the effect of the change in question wording is probably minimal.

Universe

Availability

• 2002, 2008

Weights

• 2002, 2008 : SAMPWEIGHT