Codes and Frequencies
Description
YTQCLASS indicates whether sample adults had taken a class for yoga, Tai chi, or Qi gong during the past 12 months. In 2002, this information was collected from sample adults who had practiced yoga, Tai chi, or Qi gong for their health during the past 12 months (YTQYOGYR, YTQTAIYR, or YTQIGYR). In 2007, this information was collected for sample adults who had practiced yoga, Tai chi, or Qi gong for any reason during the past 12 months (YTQYOGYR, YTQTAIYR, or YTQIGYR).
In both 2002 and 2007, respondents were advised that "attending only one session does not count" as taking a class or receiving formal training.
In general, however, the practice of yoga, Tai chi, or Qi gong does not require taking a class or receiving formal training. 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 YTQCLASS which indicate whether the respondent had seen a practitioner or had taken a class for a modality of alternative medicine during the past 12 months (although seeing a practitioner was not essential for such treatment), include:
- DITPRACYR (Special diets)
- HOMPRACYR (Homeopathic treatment)
- HERPRACYR) (Herbal supplements)
- VITPRACYR (High dose or megavitamin therapy)
- RELCLASS (Relaxation techniques)
For more information on the full range of variables related to yoga, Tai chi, or Qi gong, including definitions, see YTQYOGYR.
Comparability
There are two differences in YTQCLASS between 2002 and 2007.
First, in 2002, respondents were only asked whether they had taken a class for yoga, Tai chi, or Qi gong. The scope of the question expanded in 2007 to include not only taking a class, but also "in some way receiv[ing] formal training."
Second, the survey questions differ in their reference to "yoga, Tai chi, or Qi gong" versus "the practice used most."
In 2002, respondents were asked if they had taken a class for "yoga, Tai chi, or Qi gong." Thus, a "Yes" response to YTQCLASS in that year could mean that the respondent had taken a class for any of the 3 practices that he or she had used.
By contrast, in 2007, respondents were asked if they had taken a class (or received formal training) for the practice they had used most (see YTQMOST). Thus, in 2007, a respondent who had used yoga the most, but had seen a practitioner for Tai chi and not for yoga, would have a "No" response to YTQCLASS. However, such a respondent would likely have had a "Yes" response to YTQCLASS in 2002.
Researchers must judge for themselves whether these differences compromise comparability for their analyses.
Universe
- 2002: Sample adults age 18+ who have practiced yoga, tai chi, or qi gong for their health during the past 12 months.
- 2007: Sample adults age 18+ who have practiced yoga, tai chi, or qi gong during the past 12 months.
Availability
- 2002, 2007
Weights
- 2002, 2007 : SAMPWEIGHT
