National Health Interview Survey, 1990: Assistive Devices Supplement

The purpose of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is to obtain information about the amount and distribution of illness, its effects in terms of disability and chronic impairments, and the kinds of health services people receive. The 1990 Assistive Devices Supplement includes variables from the core Person File (see NATIONAL HEALTH INTERVIEW SURVEY, 1990 [ICPSR 9839]), including sex, age, race, marital status, veteran status, education, income, industry and occupation codes, and limits on activity. Variables unique to this supplement include questions about braces, special equipment for getting around, such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, assistive devices for hearing and vision, artificial limbs, and communication aids. Additional questions covered where devices were used and how often, how they were paid for, whether or not the home was equipped with special devices and what those devices were, and any equipment the respondent needed but did not have.