Description

For sample adults in 2002 who had used a relaxation technique for their health during the past 12 months (see below), RELPRAC indicates whether the respondent had ever seen a practitioner for relaxation techniques.

In 2002, sample adults were asked about their use of the following relaxation techniques during the past year:

• Meditation (RELMEDYR)

• Guided imagery (RELGIMYR)

• Progressive relaxation (RELRELAXYR)

• Deep breathing exercises (RELBRETHYR)

Respondents who indicated using one or more of the above relaxation techniques were asked the question for RELPRAC. Those respondents with a "Yes" response to RELPRAC were asked if they had seen a practitioner for relaxation techniques in the past 12 months (RELCLASS).

In general, however, the use of relaxation techniques does not require seeing a practitioner. Many other forms of complementary and alternative medicine inquired about in the NHIS do require a practitioner (e.g., acupuncture, hypnosis, massage). Variables similar to RELPRAC that indicate whether the respondent had ever seen a practitioner for a modality of alternative medicine (even though a practitioner is not essential for using that modality) include:

• Special diets (DITPRAC)

• Homeopathic treatment (HOMPRAC)

• Herbal supplements (HERPRAC)

• High dose or megavitamin therapy (VITPRAC)

For more information on the full range of variables related to relaxation techniques, including definitions, see RELMEDYR.

Comparability

RELPRAC is only available for 2002.

Universe

Availability

• 2002

Weights

• 2002 : SAMPWEIGHT