Codes and Frequencies
Description
For persons who were ever told that they had polio (POLIOEV = 2), POLIOPAREV reports whether the respondent ever had paralysis of any kind caused by polio. Please see Comparability and Universe tabs for changes in universe and screener question wording between samples.
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.
"Paralysis of any kind" was left to the respondent to define. The Field Representative's Manual noted that this question sought to determine "if the person EVER had paralysis of any kind caused by polio, even temporarily. Some polio victims experience initial paralysis for a period of time, then regain partial or complete functioning."
The Manual included an introductory passage about Polio related questions in the 1987 survey. It noted that some survivors of paralytic polio survivors may suffer from "post-polio syndrome" which included fatigue, pain or weakness in joints or muscles, and new paralysis. The purpose of the Poliomyelitis section of the survey was to determine "the prevalence of survivors of paralytic polio, and to identify a sample of survivors of both paralytic and nonparalytic polio for a follow-up survey."
The 1987 survey also included the variable POLIOPARNOW (now have paralysis or any health problem caused by polio).
Comparability
Changes in universe and wording of screener questions between samples affect comparability.
In 1987, this question was asked of sample persons ages 26 and older who answered affirmatively to the question, "Were you EVER told by a doctor or other health care professional that you had poliomyelitis, usually called 'polio', whether or not it resulted in physical disability?"
In 1994 and 1995, the universe included persons in the National Health Interview Survey-Disability Survey (NHIS-D) Phase I sample whom the household respondent said were "EVER told by a doctor that they had polio, whether or not it resulted in physical disability."
Along with changes in the universe and question wording, the presence of proxy reporting in 1994 and 1995, but not in 1987, could affect responses. In the latter years, a respondent representing the family could answer this question for other family members. In 1987, except in rare cases where disability precluded self-reporting, sample adults answered the question for themselves.
Universe
- 1987: Persons age 26+ who were ever told by a doctor or other health professional that they had polio.
- 1994-1995: Persons in the NHIS-D Phase I sample who were ever told by doctor that they had polio.
Availability
- 1987, 1994-1995
