National Health Interview Survey on Disability, 1994: Phase I, Person and Condition Data

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 National Health Interview Survey on Disability (NHIS-D), Phase I, was administered at the same time as the 1994 NHIS core. NHIS-D was designed to collect data that can be used to understand disability and to develop public policy on disability. Another goal of the survey was to find a balance between the medical, administrative, and social issues involved in disability measurement. The Phase I questionnaire gathered data on disability and was used as a screening device for Phase II. Part 1, Person Data, includes the following topics: sensory, communication ability/limitation, mobility, developmental disability conditions, disability, functional limitations, mental health, services used and benefits received, and perceived disability. Part 2, Condition Data, provides information on the main condition causing the health problem, impairment, limitation, or disability.