Research On Early Life And Aging Trends Effects (RELATE): A Cross National Study Methods Report User Guide

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ICPSR 34241

Research on Early Life and Aging
Trends and Effects (RELATE): A
Cross-National Study
Mary McEniry
University of Michigan. Inter-university
Consortium for Political and Social Research
Methods Report

Inter-university Consortium for
Political and Social Research
P.O. Box 1248
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106
www.icpsr.umich.edu

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Methods report on the compilation of the RELATE cross national
data set on older adults from 20 low, middle and high income
countries

Version 1.0

Written and prepared by:
Mary McEniry, Sarah Moen, Jacob McDermott
June 2013

Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research
Population Studies Center
Institute for Social Research
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Table of Contents
1. Overview
1.1 Background
1.2 Country-specific surveys selected for cross national data set
1.2.1 Sample designs, sample weights and response rates
1.2.2 Missing values
2. Creation of the cross national data set
2.1 Creating country-specific data files
2.2 Creating a preliminary cross national data set
2.2.1 Harmonization of measures
2.3 Creating a finalized version of the cross national data set
3. Constructed variables for cross national data
3.1 Respondent, household IDs, status and where interviewed
3.2 Demographics
3.2.1 Gender, age and marital status
3.2.2 Ethnicity, race and language spoken
3.2.3 Education, income and wealth
3.2.4 Family and household
3.3 System
3.3.1 WHO rating of health care systems
3.4 Early life conditions
3.4.1 Birthplace
3.4.2 Childhood health
3.4.3 Childhood nutrition
3.4.4 Childhood socioeconomic status
3.5 Adult lifestyle
3.5.1 Adult smoking
3.5.2 Adult exercise
3.5.3 Adult alcohol consumption
3.4.4 Adult diet
3.6 Adult health outcomes
3.6.1 Self-reported health
3.6.2 Functionality/disability
3.6.3 Chronic conditions
3/6.4 Anthropometric and performance measures

3.6.5 Mortality

4. References
Appendix A: Original Funding Sources for Studies Included in the First Public Release
of the RELATE Data
2

Appendix B: Archiving and preservation
Appendix C: Harmonization of key variables
Appendix D: Overview of country-specific data files
Appendix E: Bangladesh-MHSS original variables
Appendix F: China-CHNS original variables
Appendix G: China-CLHLS original variables
Appendix H: Costa Rica-CRELES original variables
Appendix I: England-ELSA original variables
Appendix J: Indonesia-IFLS original variables
Appendix K: Latin American and Caribbean cities-SABE original variables
Appendix L: Mexico-MHAS original variables
Appendix M: Netherlands-SHARE original variables
Appendix N: Puerto Rico-PREHCO original variables
Appendix O: SAGE countries original variables
Appendix P: Taiwan-SEBAS original variables
Appendix Q: US-HRS original variables
Appendix R: US-WLS original variables
List of tables
Table 1.1:
Table 1.2:
Table 2.1:
Table 3.1:
Table 3.2:
Table 3.3:
Table 3.4:
Table 3.5:
Table 3.6:
Table 3.7:
Table 3.8:
Table 3.9:
Table 3.10:
Table 3.11:
Table 3.12:
Table 3.13:
Table 3.14:

Description of cross national data on aging populations
Description of country specific samples
Country-specific data files
Relationship between constructed variables and original variables for
respondent, household IDs, status and where interviewed
Relationship between constructed and original variables for gender, age
and marital status
Relationship between constructed and original variables for ethnicity, race
and language
Relationship between constructed and original variables for education,
income and wealth
Relationship between constructed and original variables for family and
household
WHO rating of health care systems
Relationship between constructed and original variables for birthplace
Relationship between constructed and original variables for childhood
health
Relationship between constructed and original variables for childhood
nutrition
Relationship between constructed and original variables for childhood SES
Relationship between constructed and original variables for adult smoking
Relationship between constructed and original variables for adult exercise
Relationship between constructed and original variables for adult alcohol
consumption
Relationship between constructed and original variables for self-reported
3

Table 3.15:
Table 3.16:
Table 3.17:
Table 3.18:

health
Relationship between constructed and original variables for
functionality/disability
Relationship between constructed and original variables for chronic
conditions
Relationship between constructed and original variables for
anthropometric measures
Relationship between constructed and original variables for adult
mortality

List of figures
Figure 1:

Steps in creating cross national data set

Acknowledgements
The award received by the National Institute of Aging for a five-year grant to study early life
conditions and older adult health in the developing world (grant number K25 AG027239) made
the research described in this report possible. The rich scholarly environment found at the
Center for Demography & Ecology (grant number R24 HD47873) and the Center for
Demography of Aging (grant number P30 AG017266) at University of Wisconsin-Madison and
the Institute for Social Research, ICPSR, Population Studies Center (grant number R24
HD041028) at the University of Michigan also played an important part. The Social Science
Computing Cooperative at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provided excellent computing
resources by which to carry out research activities. Finally, we are grateful for the very detailed
and careful work of the data processors within the Data Sharing for Demographic Research
archive within the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) at the
University of Michigan (grant number U24HD048404-09).
This is the first publicly released version of the data documentation. Please send all comments
to mmceniry@umich.edu.

1. Overview
1.1 Background
This technical report describes the compilation of the cross national data set on older
adults resulting from a 5-year NIA funded project which examined early life conditions
and older adult health (50+ years) across developing and developed countries (K25
AG027239). The research project was also supported by a NICHD center grant to the
Population Studies Center at the University of Michigan (R24 HD041028) and core
grants to the Center for Demography and Ecology, University of Wisconsin (R24
HD47873) and to the Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of
Wisconsin (P30 AG017266). As part of the project, data were compiled on over 147,000
individuals from major surveys of older adults in 20 low, middle and high income
countries. This report describes the methods used to compile the data.
1.2 Country-specific surveys selected for cross national data set
The selection of countries for the cross national data set was based on their diversity but
also availability of comprehensive cross sectional/panel survey data for older adults
born in low, middle and high income countries. At the time of the initial data
compilation, these included several comprehensive surveys that have individual-level
data on health.
Table 1.1 provides a general description of the cross national data set, including
classification of countries according to early 20th century mortality regimes, current
income categories, selected wave, sample size, age of respondents, and the wave used for
health transition data. A description of the rationale for the classification into mortality
regimes appears elsewhere (McEniry, 2009). Income categories are according to those
used by the World Bank (2011).
From Latin America there are the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), Puerto
Rican Elderly: Health Conditions (PREHCO), Study of Aging Survey on Health and
Well Being of Elders (SABE), Costa Rican Study of Longevity and Healthy Aging
(CRELES), and WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health in Mexico (WHOSAGE). From Asia there are the China Health and Nutrition Study (CHNS), Chinese
Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), Indonesia Family Life Survey
(IFLS), Matlab Health and Socio-Economic Survey (MHSS), WHO Study on Global
Ageing and Adult Health in India (WHO-SAGE) and China (WHO-SAGE), and Social
Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study (SEBAS). From Africa there are the WHO
Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health in Ghana (WHO-SAGE) and South Africa
(WHO-SAGE). From the developed world there are the Health and Retirement Study
(HRS), Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
(ELSA), and Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement-Netherlands (SHARENetherlands). A survey of older adults from the WHO Study on Global Ageing and
Adult Health in the Russian Federation (WHO-SAGE) was also recently included in
the cross national data.
6

Of the selected surveys, there are several “sister” surveys conducted in other countries
with the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). These include: ELSA, MHAS, SHARE,
and CRELES. Future plans are to continue adding other sister surveys 1 to the cross
national data set as well as new or existing surveys on older adults as they become
publicly accessible.
Most of the selected surveys were conducted between 2000-2005 with the exception of
Bangladesh (1996) and WHO-SAGE (2007-09) (see Table 1.1). Differences in timing of
surveys are relevant when comparing age groups and birth cohorts. When comparing
across age groups, Bangladesh respondents are older than most of those surveyed in
2000-2005 (a 60-year old respondent interviewed in 1996 was born in 1936) while
WHO-SAGE respondents are younger (a 60-year old interviewed in 2007 was born in
1947). When comparing across birth cohorts, the reverse is true. Differences in timing
also appear for mortality as second wave data may reflect shorter or longer periods of
time.
The first publicly release version of the cross national data contain a subset of the
complete data sets. Appendix A describes the original funding sources for the studies
that are included in this first version.

Other countries with surveys similar to that of HRS include Ireland, China, Japan, South
Korea, and India. Planning for HRS similar studies are now in progress for Scotland and Brazil
and possibly in Argentina and Chile. See https://mmicdata.rand.org/megametadata/ for more
information.
1

Table 1.1: Description of cross national data on aging populations
Country

Very Early Regime
Netherlands SHARE
England ELSA
US HRS
US WLS
Early Regime
Argentina SABE
Cuba SABE
Uruguay SABE
Mid-paced Regime
Chile SABE
Costa Rica CRELES
Puerto Rico PREHCO
South Africa
WHO/SAGE
Taiwan SEBAS
Late Regime
Barbados SABE
Brazil SABE
Mexico MHAS
Mexico SABE
Mexico WHO/SAGE
Russian Federation
Very Late Regime
Bangladesh MHSS
China CHNS
China CLHLS
China WHO/SAGE
Ghana WHO/SAGE
India WHO/SAGE
Indonesia IFLS
Total

Income level

Selected wave
for baseline

Sample

High
High
High
High

2004-05 (wave 1)
2004-05 (wave 2)
2000
2004-05

Upper Middle
Upper Middle
Upper Middle

2000 (wave 1)
2000 (wave 1)
2000 (wave 1)

1,043 60+
1,905 60+
1,450 60+

None available
None available
None available

Upper Middle
Upper Middle
High
Upper Middle

2000 (wave 1)
2003 (wave 1)
2002-03 (wave 1)
2007-08 (wave 1)

1,301
2,827
4,291
3,830

2005 (wave 2; not yet publicly accessible)
Up to 2008 (wave 2; 3rd wave pending access)
2006-07 (wave 2)
Planned for future (wave 2)

High

2000 (wave 1)

1,023 50+

High
Upper Middle
Upper Middle
Upper Middle
Upper Middle
Upper Middle

2000 (wave 1)
2000 (wave 1)
2001 (wave 1)
2000 (wave 1)
2007-08 (wave 1)
2007-08 (wave 1)

1,508
2,143
13,463
1,247
4,142
4,511

60+
60+
50+
60+
50+
50+

None available
(waves 2 and 3; not yet publicly accessible)
2003 (wave 2)
None available
Planned for future (wave 2)
Planned for future (wave 2)

Low
Lower Middle
Lower Middle
Lower Middle
Low
Lower Middle
Lower Middle

1996 (wave 1)
2000 (wave 5)
2002 (wave 3)
2007-08 (wave 1)
2007-08 (wave 1)
2007-08 (wave 1)
2000 (wave 3)

6,973
6,452
16,064
13,368
4,724
7,150
13,260
147,278

36+
40+
60+
50+
50+
50+
40+

Mortality through Dec 2007 for 50+ in 1996
2006 (wave 7)
2005 (wave 4)
Planned for future (wave 2)
Planned for future (wave 2)
Planned for future (wave 2)
2007-08 (wave 4)

2,979
8,780
12,527
10,317

Ages Wave used for health transition
50+
50+
60+
60+

60+
60+
60+
50+

2006-07 (wave 2)
2006-07 (wave 3)
2006
(mortality data up to 2011)

2006 (wave 2)

Notes: Countries arranged by mortality regime and by World Bank definition of income (2011). Ages
shown are the ages at the time of the first survey selected. Not shown in the table are surveys used as pretests for the SAGE study. These include: India WHO/SAGE’s pilot study of 492 individuals, Ghana
WHO/SAGE’s pilot study of 507 individuals, and Tanzania WHO/SAGE’s pilot study of 525 individuals.
While the total sample size in the table is 147,278, the subsample of respondents born before 1960 and
whose age could be ascertained for analyses was 143,968. The difference in sample size reflects exclusion
of (1) 100 cases born in the 1960s; (2) 2,616 cases where age was missing (Mexico-SAGE (n=4142) had
2,030 missing cases); and (3) 594 cases from the WLS cohort where the high school graduate was either
dead or did not respond to the 2004 survey.

1.2.1 Sample design, sample weights and response rates

Most studies included in the cross national data set are representative of the older adult
population either nationally, in major urban centers or in major provinces. Some studies
are representative samples of households from which older adults were selected.
Surveys which are nationally representative of the older population include: MexicoMHAS, Puerto Rico-PREHCO, Costa Rica-CRELES, Taiwan-SEBAS, US-HRS, EnglandELSA, and the Netherlands-SHARE. Some of these surveys included oversamples of
special populations. Costa Rica-CRELES oversampled the oldest old (respondents over
the age of 95). US-HRS oversampled African Americans, Hispanics, and Florida
residents. The WHO-SAGE, China-CHNS, China-CLHLS, and Indonesia-IFLS surveys
are all representative of only select provinces within the individual countries. The SABE
study surveyed seven capital cities in the Latin American and Caribbean region and does
not represent the entire population of the seven countries. The general sampling design
to which each of the countries adhered allows for the surveys to be comparable cross
nationally. Bangladesh-MHSS was a random sample of baris, or neighborhoods, in
Matlab, a rural region of Bangladesh. US-WLS was a random sample of 1957 Wisconsin
high school graduates and their randomly selected siblings. The survey was broadly
representative of white, non-Hispanic Americans.
All selected surveys used sample weights with the exception of CHNS and WLS. In
some instances there were several sample weights according to individual or
community. Individual sample weights were used in the cross national data set.
Table 1.2 provides a description of the cross national sample, including the number of
respondents and response rates in the survey year and follow-up survey year. Surveys
are grouped by representation (i.e. nationally representative surveys, surveys
representative of urban areas, surveys representative of national or rural households
and communities, and surveys representative of 1957 Wisconsin high school graduates).
Most studies obtained high response rates in the first wave under consideration and in
subsequent waves. In some cases, all survey questions were asked only of a subset of
respondents (e.g. in Indonesia with so-called main respondents and in Bangladesh with
older adults from communities some of which received maternal/child interventions in
the 1970s).
More complete information about each survey along with a relevant website for sample
design and response rates is found in the reference section of this report.

Table 1.2: Description of country specific samples
Number of
selected
respondents

Response Rates (%)
Survey Year
Follow-up
Survey

16,064
2,827
8,780
13,463
37,725
2,955
4,291
1,023
12,527

96
95
82
90
85 and above b
88
94
68
85

96
93
75
93
N.A.
89
94
N.A.
89

10,597

62-95

N.A.

National Household & Community
China CHNS (2000)
6,452
Indonesia IFLS (2000)
13,191

83
95

88
91

Rural Household & Community
Bangladesh MHSS (1996)
6,973

N.A.

Survey (Survey Year)
National Survey of Older Adults
China CLHLS (2002)
Costa Rica CRELES (2003)
England ELSA (2004-05)
Mexico MHAS (2001)
Multiple-SAGE (2007-08) a
Netherlands SHARE (2004-05)
Puerto Rico PREHCO (2002-03)
Taiwan SEBAS (2000)
US HRS (2000)
Urban Survey of Older Adults
Multiple-SABE (2000) a

1957 Wisconsin High School Graduates
US WLS (2004-05)
10,317
Total
143,968

Sources: Numbers of respondents are from McEniry (forthcoming). Shown are individual response rates
for the survey years selected. The numbers of respondents born before 1960 and for whom there were
data on age or birth year are presented in the table.
Notes:
“Multiple” means that there were multiple countries involved in the survey. SAGE countries include
China, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa. SABE cities include Buenos Aires,
Argentina, Bridgetown, Barbados, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Santiago, Chile, Havana, Cuba, Mexico City, Mexico,
and Montevideo, Uruguay.
a

For the most part, all SAGE surveys had a high response rate with the exception of Mexico.

1.2.2 Missing values

The reason for and the number of missing responses varies across countries and
variables and is an important restriction to meaningful model estimation. Needed is a
more careful analysis of missing values to first determine the degree to which the data
are missing completely at random (Little, 1988) and then use imputation procedures to
impute the data. A preliminary analysis of missing values is described below.
Of the demographic variables included in the surveys, education and income are two
variables with a larger degree of missing values (values that made up more than 5% of
the data for those born prior to 1945). Older respondents tended to have missing values
10

for education in China, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Taiwan, Argentina,
Cuba, Bangladesh, and South Africa. In Indonesia, Costa Rica, and South Africa, men
tended to have more missing values for education while in England and Ghana women
had more missing values. Missing values for education that were above 5% ranged from
6% in Mexico-SAGE and Taiwan to 17% in South Africa. Missing values for household
income ranged from 6% in China-SAGE to 33% in the Russian Federation.
That being said, the degree of missing values for early childhood conditions tends to be
much more variable across countries as compared with demographic variables. Those
who were more likely to produce missing values for birthplace included respondents
who were older and from China, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, the US, Barbados,
Brazil, Cuba and Uruguay; respondents who had less education and were from Puerto
Rico, Argentina and China; respondents who had more education and were from
Indonesia, Mexico, Barbados, Bangladesh and India; respondents who were women and
from the US and Mexico; and respondents who were men and from Costa Rica and
China. Those who were more likely to produce missing values for height included
respondents who were older and from Indonesia, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, the US,
Mexico, England, China, Barbados, Brazil, Cuba, Uruguay, Bangladesh, Netherlands,
India, Ghana, South Africa and Russia; respondents who had less education and were
from Puerto Rico, the US, Mexico, England, Bangladesh, Netherlands and China;
respondents who had more education and were from Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico,
Uruguay and Ghana; respondents who were female and from Indonesia, the US, Mexico,
Barbados, Uruguay, Bangladesh and Ghana; and respondents who were male and from
China.
The childhood conditions variables that had missing values above 5% in many of the
countries include: birthplace, parental education, height, and knee height. Missing
values for birthplace that were above 5% ranged from 6% in Costa Rica and MexicoSAGE to 62% in Mexico-MHAS; father’s education ranged from 7% in US-WLS to 43%
in US-HRS; mother’s education ranged from 8% in the Russian Federation and ChinaSAGE to 36% in Puerto Rico; height ranged from 6% in Chile to 19% in Mexico-MHAS;
and knee height ranged from 6% in Chile to 83% in Mexico-MHAS. Mexico-MHAS has
high missing values for birthplace because only respondents who had always lived in the
community could be identified with a rural/urban birthplace; height and knee height
because physical measurements were taken on a subset of the MHAS sample. US-HRS
has a high number of missing values for father’s education because only a subset of
respondents was asked about early life conditions.
Missing values for smoking tended to occur in older respondents from China, Costa Rica
and Mexico; male respondents from the US, Bangladesh, Ghana and China; respondents
with more education in the US and South Africa; and respondents with less education in
China and Russia. Missing values for smoking that were above 5% ranged from 6% in
Mexico-SAGE and US-WLS to 13% in China-CHNS; exercising ranged from 6% in
Mexico-SAGE to 38% in China-CHNS; drinking ranged from 6% in Mexico-SAGE to
15% in England; body mass index (BMI) category ranged from 6% in Barbados to 22% in
Mexico-MHAS; and yearly visits to a doctor or medical professional ranged from 8% in
Bangladesh to 20% in China-SAGE.
11

Adult heart disease and diabetes show a higher percent of missing values in low income
countries. Missing values for heart disease tended to be reported in older respondents
from China, Mexico, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the US and Barbados; male respondents
from Mexico and Costa Rica; and respondents with less education in Indonesia, Costa
Rica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Brazil and China. For diabetes, a similar pattern emerged:
older respondents from China; those with less education from Costa Rica, Puerto Rico,
Mexico and China; and male respondents from Mexico and China tended to report more
missing values.
Missing values for heart disease/angina that were above 5% ranged from 10% in South
Africa to 43% in Indonesia and for diabetes ranged from 6% in Mexico-SAGE to 43% in
Indonesia. For other variables closely associated with chronic conditions, the pattern of
missing values that were above 5% was: obesity ranged from 6% in Barbados to 22% in
Mexico-MHAS; poor health ranged from 6% in Mexico-SAGE to 14% in Puerto Rico;
and functionality ranged from 7% in Mexico-SAGE to 21% in China-CHNS. Missing
values were high for Indonesia for heart disease and diabetes because questions for
heart disease were asked in 2007-08 but not in the baseline used here (2000) and thus
there were respondents who were either no longer alive or were lost to follow-up.

2. Creation of the cross national data set
Figure 1 below shows the broad steps in the creation of the cross national data set. First,
a series of Stata do files was created for each selected data set. Second, country-specific
data files were appended together to produce a cross national data set creating
additional measures and harmonizing where possible. The third step was to create a
finalized version of the cross national data set that contained only relevant variables for
cross national analyses. These variables were mostly constructed and harmonized. A
final version of country-specific data files was also created which included only original
variables. The resulting cross national data set has 147,278 total observations and over
200 variables. Country-specific data files have a different number of variables (Table
2.1). A final step was to deposit the data files with ICPSR at the University of Michigan
for archiving and preservation. This process entailed a careful quality review of all data
sets for completion of labels and missing information (see Appendix B).
Step 1:
Prepare country
specific surveys

Step 2:
Append to create
preliminary cross
national data set

Step 3:
Create final cross
national data set

Step 4:
Archive and
preserve data

Figure 1: Steps in creating cross national data set
12

2.1 Creating country-specific data files
Country-specific Stata do files were created for each of the country surveys. These pulled
together all of the applicable data from the country-specific surveys. Table 2.1 shows the
resulting country-specific data including sample size, number of variables used from
original survey and a brief description of addition variables that may be of interest to
researchers. Variables were harmonized where possible. The appendices describe the
variables from country-specific surveys that were captured as part of the compilation of
the cross national data set. Some original variables were used to construct variables for
the cross national data set. Others appear only in the country-specific data files.
Table 2.1: Country-specific data files
Country
N
# original
Additional
variables
Variables
China-CLHLS 16,064 141
Indonesia
13,260 195
Vignettes
Costa Rica
2,827
170
Biomarkers
Puerto Rico
4,291
442
Vignettes
WLS
10,317
268
HRS
12,527
174
Vignettes
MHAS
13,463
125
Taiwan
1,023
95
Biomarkers
ELSA
8,780
281
China-CHNS 6,452
103
SABE
10,597
169 - 194
Bangladesh
6,973
172
Netherlands
2,979
Vignettes +
548
section on early life
India
7,150
352
Vignettes
Ghana
4,724
350
Vignettes
China
13,368 336
Vignettes
S. Africa
3,830
348
Vignettes
Mexico
4,142
343
Vignettes
Russia
4,511
351
Vignettes
TOTAL

147,278

Notes: Biomarkers not yet available for public release for SAGE countries and for WLS.

2.2 Creating a preliminary cross national data set
Each of the country-specific Stata do files were then appended together to create the
preliminary cross national data set. Some country-specific variables were saved that
were not used to construct variables and appear only in the country-specific data files.
Additional cross national variables were created at this stage: PPP household or
individual income; rating of health system according to the World Health Organization
(WHO) (2000); and position within the household. Some harmonization of measures
occurred during this stage.
13

2.2.1 Harmonization of measures

Survey questions and scaling differed across countries for some selected variables such
as self-reported health, childhood health, childhood socioeconomic status (SES), adult
functionality, being born and raised in a rural area, residence and education. Appendix
C describes the harmonization of selected variables.
2.3 Creating a finalized version of the cross national data set
To create the finalized version of the cross national data set, several modifications of the
preliminary cross national data set were required. First, variable names not already in
English were translated into English. Second, all variable labels, value labels, and codes
for missing values were checked for completion. Variable labels were relabeled where
necessary. Consistent value labels were also added to all categorical variables. Third,
country-specific variables were created to account for differences in scaling of questions.
In some instances (e.g. self-reported health, childhood health and childhood SES),
questions varied across countries in wording and scaling which created inconsistencies
between similar variables’ values and value labels. To address this problem, merged
variables with inconsistent scaling and/or wording were split into country-specific
variables of the form variable_country. Fourth, in some instances scales were reversed
to make them comparable across countries (e.g. wealth indicator). Fifth, selected
variables were included in the final version of the cross national data set. Remaining
variables were saved in each relevant country-specific data file. The data set was then
compressed which changed variable storage types to the least memory-consuming type
that did not result in any loss of accuracy.

3. Constructed variables for cross national data
Most constructed variables for the cross national data are described in the main text of this
report. A few not explicitly mentioned in the main part of this report (e.g. Nagi item push,
heavy, IADLs shopping, meals) are described in Appendix C.
3.1 Respondent and household IDs, status and where interviewed

Table 3.1 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables from
country-specific surveys for the respondent. A description of relevant original variables
can be found in appendices according to country. An id variable was created for most
countries based on the unique identifier for each country. This was accomplished by
first sorting on the unique identifier and then creating id with the number sorted using
Stata:
sort unique identifier
replace id= _n
For sample weights, a general variable call samplewgt was created using the variable
identified in the survey. Country is a variable identifying the country-specific surveys.
Proxy indicates if a proxy was used to complete the questionnaire. Province_ is a
constructed variable showing the province or state in which the respondent was
14

interviewed. Residence indicates current residence (urban/rural) of the respondent.
Some surveys had a filtering variable to identify the respondents. These variables are
identified as constructed variables with status_. Other filtering variables kept the same
original name in the final cross national data set. Wave shows the baseline survey year
selected as part of the cross national data set.
Several variables were constructed to identify birth cohort (birthcohort,
birthchortFIN, cohort). These variables were defined primarily using birth year after
eliminating or recoding in some cases strange values for birth year. Birth year did not
always exactly match with the respondent’s stated age at the time of the survey and so
there may be some very minor discrepancies when comparing these variables with age
at the time of the survey. In addition, in some instances (PREHCO, SAGE, SABE, ELSA,
IFLS, CRELES, CHNS, SEBAS, WLS) missing birth year was estimated using
respondents stated age at the time of the survey. This estimation of birth year may also
lead to a slight misclassification into birth cohorts. Instances where there were large
discrepancies between birth year and age appeared to be minor and thus these
discrepancies should not affect analyses.
Table 3.1: Relationship between constructed variables and original
variables for respondent, household IDs, status and where interviewed

Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
Id
samplewgt
Residence
case, person
wt_ind
(see note
a)
hhid00, line00 (see
t2
note b)
id (see note c)
w_2002
Residenc
idsujeto
ponderador
URBAN
idauniq
w2wgt
hhid00, pid00
pwt00xa
sc05
(see note d)
var00001 (Argentina),
ponder,
(see note
folio (all other SABE)
ponder1
e)
unhhid, ps3
fac_p
Murb
Mergeid
w1mci
(see note f)

Puerto Rico-PREHCO

Caseid

fac_t

SAGE

id
(see note h)
resp_id
HHID, PN
Idpriv

pweight

Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS

Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

wgt_exam
GWGTR

(see note
g)
q0104
Rural

proxy

ra2
proxy
askpx1
(see note
d)
ent_tip
(see note
f)
qjefe
q1000b
i1
G514

Notes: Most country-specific surveys had a single sample weight variable. These surveys included:
Bangladesh, China-CLHLS, Costa Rica, Mexico-MHAS, Puerto Rico, SABE cities, and SAGE countries.
The sampling weight used for England-ELSA was specific to the core members of the second wave. For
the Netherlands, cross sectional weights (not longitudinal weights) were calibrated for individuals in both
the individual and main sample. Imputed sampling weights were not used. The sampling weight used for
Taiwan was weighted by age and strata. For US-HRS, a respondent level sampling weight was used. No

sample weights were used for China-CHNS or US-WLS. The original variables for proxy in the Costa
Rican and Puerto Rican surveys were redefined in the cross national data as a dichotomous variable.
There were a few instances where there was a variable used for identifying a subset of respondents. This
occurred in Bangladesh and the Netherlands with the variable status, China-CLHLS with the variable type
and Indonesia with the variable main.
a

Bangladesh respondents were all living in a rural area at the time of the survey.

original variable for China-CHNS was hhid but it was renamed to hhid00_china in the cross
national data file.

b The

c China-CLHLS has a variable id but it was renamed id_china to be able to construct a new variable called
id that would be consistent across countries.

The Indonesian survey has a complex sample design. It has several sample weights depending on
longitudinal, cross sectional, household or individuals. The one selected and shown in the table above is
the cross sectional person weight for survey year 2000. An alternative weight pwt00xb was highly
correlated with this weight. Proxies were identified using the proxy file in the Indonesian data file.
d

All SABE older adults were living in major cities of the Latin American and Caribbean region at the time
of the interview.

f In the case of the Netherlands data, the Netherlands has the variable HO037 but response to this
question was very low and it was not used to identify current residence. It appears that there is no one
variable which indicates whether a proxy was used. Each individual module has an introductory question
(1=respondent, 2=respondent& proxy 3=proxy only). In order to figure out whether the person had a
proxy, all of these variables would need to be examined.

With Puerto Rican data it is possible to determine the municipality in which they were interviewed but
not possible to determine rural/urban residence.

h SAGE surveys contain a variable called id which uniquely identifies respondents. These variables were
recoded in the cross national data set to be idindia, idchina, idsafrica, idghan, and idRussia. The variables
q0002 and q1007 also can be used to identify households and individuals although there are missing
values for some SAGE countries using these variables.

3.2 Demographics
3.2.1 Gender, age, marital status and position within the household

Table 3.2 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables from
country-specific surveys for gender, age and marital status. A description of relevant
original variables can be found in appendices according to country.
The constructed variable gender indicates the sex of the respondent. The constructed
variable age indicates the respondents’ age at the time of the survey. Age was then
grouped into the following: agegroupALL or agegroupVer2. Civil indicates marital
status and was defined using respondents’ self-reported relationship status as currently
married, separated, divorced, widowed, or never married. PositionFIN indicates the
position of the respondent within the household.
Table 3.2: Relationship between constructed and original variables
for gender, age, marital status and position within the household
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American
cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
gender
age
civil
postionFIN
lh09
lh12m, lh12y lh15
lh03
gender
west_dob
a8
a5
a1
trueage
f41
id4
age
a3
am5
indsex
indager
dimar
sex
age_00
marstat
rspndnt
c18
a01b
marital
g0401
sexo
gender

Puerto RicoPREHCO
SAGE

sexo

edad
yrbirth,
mobirth,
int_year,
int_month
a1

a10
dn014_

q1009

q1011

q1012

Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

sex
G757
sexrsp

age2000
G1101
ga003re

a1
G1158
gc001re

cvid, relrpers, mstat

mari_r1
q1007, q0405_02 –
q0405_25
(see note a)

Note: Netherlands age was computed using respondent’s birthdate and date of interview.
The variable q1007 is the respondent number and the #1 position is the household head. Variable q1007
combined with the series of variables q0405_02 through q0405_25 was used to compute the household
position of respondent (not the household head) in the household (e.g. spouse of head, other).

3.2.2 Ethnicity, race and language spoken

Table 3.3 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables from
country-specific surveys for variables relating to ethnicity, race and language. A
17

description of relevant original variables can be found in appendices according to
country.
Ethnic_ indicates different country-specific ethnic categories. Race and Hispanic are
original variables within the HRS study. The constructed variable langcat indicates the
main language the respondent speaks in his or her home. There were several original
variables from country-specific data files that also pertain to ethnicity and language. For
example, Ethniccat indicates ethnicity category for Indonesia. The variable langmain
indicates in which language the interview was conducted. Langothr indicates any other
language used.
Table 3.3: Relationship between constructed and original variables
for ethnicity, race and language
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
ethnic
hispanic
language
a19
a2
fqethnr
dl01e
a12
r2
q1018
ethnicty
RACE

dl01a

HISPANIC

Note: The ethnicity variable q1018 exists for all SAGE countries. However, value labels only exist for
Ghana, India, Mexico and South Africa. Because value labels could not be found for China or Russia,
country-specific ethnic variables have not been included for these two countries. See the SAGE Appendix
for more detail.

In defining ethnicity, many of the country-specific surveys asked that respondents
answer a question which included a list of several different ethnicities from which the
respondent was meant to choose. The following are the countries which asked such a
question and the ethnic categories available to respondents:
China-CLHLS: Han, Hui, Zhuan, Yao, Korean, Man, Mongolian.
England: white, mixed ethnic group, black, black British, Asian, Asian British,
any other group.
Ghana-SAGE: Akan, Ewe, Ga-Adangbe, Gruma, Grusi, Guan, Mande-Busanga,
Mole-Dagbon, other.
India-SAGE: Scheduled tribe, Scheduled caste, No caste or tribe
Indonesia: Jawa, Sunda, Bali, Batak, Bugis, Tionghoa, Madura, Sasak, Minang,
Banjar, Bima-Dompu, Makassar, Nias, Palembang, Sumbawa, Toraja, Betawi,
Dayak, Melayu-Deli, Komering, Ambon, Manado, Aceh, other South Sumatera,
other.
18

Mexico-SAGE: Mixteco, Nahuatl, Zapoteco, other.
Puerto Rico: black, mulatto/a, mixed or wheat-colored (black or white), white,
mestizo/a (Indian or white), other.
Taiwan: Fukienes, Hakka, mainland, Aborigin.
SABE cities: white, mestizo (combination of white and indigenous), mulatto
(combination of black and white), black, indigenous, Asian, other.
South Africa-SAGE: white, non-white.
US-HRS: white/Caucasian, black/African American, Indian, Asian.
In China-CHNS, ethnicity was defined slightly differently. Respondents were asked
whether or not they were considered a national minority.
In defining language, the Indonesian survey asked respondents to answer a closedended question which included a list of several different languages from which the
respondent was meant to choose. The following are the language categories available to
Indonesian respondents: Indonesian, Javanese, Sudanese, Balinese, Batak, Bugis,
Chinese, Madurancese, Sasak, Minang, Banjar, Bima, Makassar, Nias, Palembang,
Sumbawa, Toraja, Lahat, other South Sumatra, Betawi, Lampung, other (specify).
3.2.3 Education, income and wealth

Table 3.4 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables from
country-specific surveys for variables relating to education. A description of relevant
original variables can be found in appendices according to country.
The constructed variable yeduca indicates the (harmonized) number of years of
education the respondent has had. Education is the harmonized categorized version
according to ISCED (2011). Using this variable, dummy variables were constructed. The
variable noschool indicates whether the respondent has had any formal education.
Primary indicates whether the respondent attended through primary school or 6th
grade. Secondary indicates whether the respondent attended through secondary
school or from 7th to 12th grade. Higher indicates whether the respondent attended
higher than 12th grade. Income was defined as the respondents’ yearly per capita
household income (household income divided by household size) where possible.
Annual per capita income was obtained in the following manner. In the case of
household surveys, we used either the household income that was calculated for the user
(WLS, HRS, ELSA), used target and spouse income calculated for the user (MexicoMHAS), used a set of questions to calculate yearly household income (Bangladesh,
China-CHNS) or used a calculation of wages provided for Indonesia. For surveys of
older adults, we either used one question for target and spouse (Costa Rica), or
calculated income based on several questions regarding income for target and spouse
(Puerto Rico) or calculated income based on several questions regarding individual
income for a randomly selected older adult in the household (SABE). Per capita income
was calculated by dividing by household size or in the case of SABE by the number of
dependents. We then created a variable called PPP in order to make international
comparisons. Taking 2000 to be the year of interest, we first converted each country to
local 2000 currency using the GDP deflator from the World Bank World Development
19

Indicators and then converted to PPP (international dollars) using the PPP conversation
table published by WHO (2012). From there, the variable income was divided into
quintiles resulting in the variable quint.
Table 3.4: Relationship between constructed and original variables for
education, income and wealth
Countries
BangladeshMHSS
China-CHNS

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
yeduca,
income
education
ed03, ed06,
Book II: Sections AI, LI,
ed08a
OFI, FB, NFB, AE, NAE,
HRT (see note a)
a11
hhinc_pc

China-CLHLS
Costa RicaCRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS

f1
a2a, a2b

f35 (see note b)
h20, h21, h23, h24, h25, h27

Edqual
dl04, dl06, dl07

totinc_bu, eqtotinc_bu
(see note c)

Latin American
cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
NetherlandsSHARE
Puerto RicoPREHCO
SAGE

Yeduca

Section H (see note d)

a3_3
edu, iscedy_r

income_i
hgtincv

c10r1

n51* (series of variables)

q1015, q1016,
q1017

q0724

Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

educ00
G1074A
gb103red,
gb104red,
gb005rec

d1, d2
GHHINC
gp260hec

wealth
Book I: Section HC, Book
II: Section HA (see note a)
l1, l5, l8, l140f, l115, l110,
l105
j18, j19, j20, j21, j23, j26,
j27-j32
sclddr
kr13, kr20,kr23, kr24,
kr24a
j04, j08, j09, j10, j13aj13d, j121-j123
j8, j5, j6, j10b – j10f
p13, p19, p20, p21b-p21d,
p21g, p21j
q0506, q0508, q0710,
q0510, q0711, q0712,
q0708, q0511, q0713
d1, d2

Notes: The UN definition of education was used to classify educational level: no school, primary (up to
6th grade), secondary (7th-12th grades, lower and upper secondary), and superior (anything over 12 years of
education including university) (ISCED, 2011).
In the case of the Netherlands survey, education was imputed (edu) and this imputed variable was used to
define years of education.
The original variables noted in the income column are for the calculation of household income and not per
capita income. Per capita income was obtained by dividing household income by household size.
a

See Appendix D: Bangladesh for a selection of variables from these sections.

There was only one question that asked about income in the China-CHLHS survey.

Income in the case of Indonesia was estimated by a researcher working with the IFLS project using labor
income only. See notes in Appendix I: Indonesia.
c

See Appendix J: SABE for a selection of variables from this section.

Wealth_index is a wealth indicator based on household characteristics and assets. It
varies slightly from country to country as country-specific surveys had different
questions for household assets. Assets reflects number of possessions and assets and
was used to create the wealth index. Ladder is a variable reflecting the use of the SES
ladder instrument to estimate wealth. In England-ELSA and Taiwan-SEBAS,
respondents were asked to imagine the socioeconomic situation of their country as a
ladder, with those who are the best off at the top and those who are the worst off at the
bottom. The variable ladder was then defined as low, the bottom 10%, middle, and high,
the top 10% of respondents.
3.2.4 Family and household

Table 3.5 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables from
country-specific surveys for variables relating to ethnicity, race and language. A
description of relevant original variables can be found in appendices according to
country.
Table 3.5: Relationship between constructed and original variables
for family and household
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA

Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
siblings
children grandchild
hhsize
sib01a
ch01a
(see note
a)
s122
t6
f9
f10
a52
am6
am4
disib
dhnch
dignmy,
hhtot
dignmyW2,
digran,
digranW2
br15
hhsize
a18
g02
a19
(see note
a)
dn036_, ch001_
ch021_
hhsize
dn037_
l20a
d11
c1num
q0401
a3a
G1093
G562
gk067ss
gd001kd
ge001he

Notes: Children, grandchild, and siblings indicate the number of children, grandchildren, and
siblings the respondent has, respectively. The variable children was defined slightly differently
depending on the question asked in the country-specific survey. There are four variations present in the
surveys, all of which were used to define the number of children: (1) the number of children the
respondent had given birth to or fathered (which could include stillbirths) (China-CHNS, China-CLHLS,
SABE); (2) the number of children living in the respondents’ home (England); (3) the respondents’
number of live births (Costa Rica, Indonesia, Mexico-MHAS, Puerto Rico, US-HRS); or (4) the number of

living children respondents have, including those that are natural, adopted, fostered, or stepchildren
(Bangladesh, Netherlands, US-WLS).
Grandchildren was defined as the number of grand- or great-grandchildren the respondent had at the
time of the interview.
The variable siblings was defined slightly differently depending on the question asked in the countryspecific survey. There are two variations present in the surveys: (1) the number of siblings, living or dead
(China-CLHLS, Puerto Rico, US-WLS); (2) the number of living siblings only (Bangladesh, England,
Netherlands).
Hhsize indicates the number of people living in the household. Household size was computed in some
cases. For example, in Bangladesh, researchers claim that they identified everyone in the home through
the roster. Therefore, household size was taken to be the sum of the individuals listed in the roster for
each household identified by the variable case. A similar procedure was used in the following surveys:
MHAS, CHNS and HRS.
a

3.3 System
3.3.1 WHO rating of health care systems

The constructed variable hscore is based on the numerical rating given by the World
Health Organization (2000). Higher numbers indicate a worse rating of a country’s
health care system.
Table 3.6: WHO rating of health care systems
Countries
Bangladesh
China
Costa Rica
England
Indonesia
Latin American cities-SABE
Mexico
Netherlands
Puerto Rico
SAGE countries
Taiwan
US

Rating
88
144
36
18
92
33-125
61
17
37
112-175
-37

Notes: Individually, SABE countries are rated as follows: Argentina (75), Barbados (46), Brazil (125),
Chile (33), Cuba (39), Mexico (61), Uruguay (65). SAGE countries are rated as follows: India (112), Ghana
(135), China (144), South Africa (175), Russian Federation (130). WHO did not provide a rating for
Taiwan.

3.4 Early life conditions
3.4.1 Birthplace and timing of birth

Table 3.7 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables from
country-specific surveys for early life conditions. A description of relevant original
variables can be found in appendices according to country.
22

The constructed variable born indicates whether the respondent was born in the
country where the survey was administered. The variable bplace_ describes the
municipality, province or state in which the respondent was born. Not all surveys had a
question on born within the country or birthplace. RuralFIN is a harmonized variable
and indicates if the respondent spent their childhood in a rural area. Region indicates
the agricultural region of birth for Puerto Rico. Birthmonth and birthyear were
constructed from survey variables. In some instances when birth year was missing it was
later estimated from the age and interview date (SAGE, SABE, Indonesia, CR, Taiwan,
ELSA, CHNS, and WLS).
Thereafter the variable quarter was constructed which indicated the birth quarter of
the year. Dummy variables were also created indicating birth quarter (quarter1,
quarter2, quarter3 and quarter4). IMRbirth is a country-specific variable for
Puerto Rico (PREHCO) indicating municipality-specific IMR at birth in the late 1920s early 1940s.
Table 3.7: Relationship between constructed and original variables for
birthplace
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA

Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
born
bplace_
ruralFIN
birthmonth,
birthyear
mg02
mg02, mg04 lh11m, lh11y
a20, a21
a20, a21 (see
t2 (see note
west_dob (see note
(see note
note a)
a)
b), u1
a)
a41
a41
a41, a43
v_bthyr, v_bthmon,
a41
a22a, pc
pc
pc
id2b, id2c
pobr,
indobyr
countrr,
fqcbthr
(see note
c)
mg01ex
dl01b
mg04a,
bth_mnth, us02mth,
mg08
bth_year2000
a02
a02, a04b
a01am, a01aa

Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS

a21
dn004_
a3
q1024,
q1020,
q0104
ethnicty
USBORN

US-WLS

ie003re

Notes:

murb, a21
a3m_2_update

o1, o2
q1024,
q1020,
q0104

G1061M (see
note e)
ie003re

G1125 (see
note f)
rlur5 (see
note g)

a1_2, a1_3
mobirth, yrbirth
a2_m, a2_a
q1010_mm,
q1010_yyyy (see note
d)
bir_m, yrbirth
BIRTHMO,
BIRTHYR
cmbrdx

The variables a20 and a21 in the questionnaire indicate birthplace. However, an explanation for the
coding of these variables cannot be located in any written documentation on the CHNS website. Thus, the
variables born and bplace_ for CHNS could not be properly identified. There was no question asked
specifically about childhood residence in the CHNS study. However, there was a variable t2 referring to
current residence. Assuming small amount of migration in some regions, this variable could be used to
reflect rural childhood.
a

Date of birth using the western calendar was available (west_dob). From this variable birth year and
birth month were computed. Age was also computed and any missing values from this computation were
completed by using the variable u1 which was provided by the CHNS study. The final variable u1 was then
used to estimate birth year in cases where there were missing values.

There were several variables used to identify if the respondent was born in the UK. These include the
three variables listed in the table.
c

There were slight variations in the definition of birth year for South Africa, Russia and Mexico
(q1010_yy).

The information for birthplace and being born in a rural area variable is incomplete within the cross
national data set because it was asked the first time the respondent was interviewed in HRS. Thus, for the
HRS 2000 survey year, this information will be missing for individuals who were previously surveyed.

HRS asked residence during childhood for only for a subset of respondents.

WLS does not have a variable which defines US state born for all 10,317 respondents. Variable ie003re
contains only a subset of WLS respondents. However, the variable ie0031re suggests that the number of
foreign born WLS respondents is very low. Thus, ruralFIN is defined using only information from rlur5.
This definition is different from how ruralFIN was coded in other surveys.
g

3.4.2 Childhood health

Table 3.8 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables from
country-specific surveys for early life childhood health. Mother’s education is thought to
be very closely associated with childhood health and so is listed here in this table. A
description of relevant original variables can be found in appendices according to
country. Several surveys had additional variables reflecting childhood environment. See
for example PREHCO, MHAS, WLS, and SHARE-LIFE (Wave 3) in the country-specific
appendices of this report.
The variables childhealth_ provide the country-specific definitions used to report
childhood health. Poorchealth is the rating by respondents of their childhood health.
It is harmonized because not all countries had the same scaling for the question
regarding self-reported health (see Appendix C for more detail). Mothereduc_ is a
country-specific variable indicating how mother’s education was defined in a particular
country. Motheroccup_ is a country-specific variable defining mother’s occupation.
Hunger, tb, asthma, malaria, rheumatic indicate whether a respondent
experienced hunger, had tuberculosis, asthma, malaria or rheumatic fever as a child.
Not all countries had questions regarding specific illnesses in childhood. Some did
appear in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data file.

Mother’s education was defined as her level of education completed. Their educational
level was grouped by having had no formal education or as attending primary school,
secondary school, or more than secondary school. No school was defined as zero years of
education. Primary school was defined as completing any level of education through the
sixth grade. Secondary school was defined as completing any level of education from
seventh through twelfth grade. More than secondary school was defined as completing
anything higher than twelfth grade.
IMR is the country-specific infant mortality rate in 1930. IMR_PR was constructed to
reflect the IMR in Puerto Rico according to the birthplace (municipality) of the
respondent. Riskdiab is based on the variable g109 from the Puerto Rican survey has
information regarding if respondent’s parents or siblings have diabetes.
Table 3.8: Relationship between constructed and original variables for
childhood health
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
childhealth poorchealth hunger
mothereduc
(see note b)
in2

in2

f66

ba07am,
ba08m

Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE

c27

(see note c)

a8
(see note c)

Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE

h14

(see note
d)
ixc01rer

(see note d)

ixc01rer

edmo57q

Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS
Notes:

c30

a18

(see note
c)

f1
(see note c)
h6c
q1028

motheroccup
(see note a)
(see note b)

difjob
ba13m

(see note c)
h6d
q1025,
q1026

Mother occupation was available in some surveys (e.g. Bangladesh, England, Indonesia, Netherlands,
SAGE, Puerto Rico) but in instances such as Puerto Rico information was largely missing. A constructed
variable was created with information from selected countries such as SAGE and Indonesia only
(motheroccup). Occupational codes for mother will need to be reviewed in surveys from Bangladesh,
Netherlands and ELSA.
a

Mother education was compiled in Bangladesh using several pieces of information asked in the survey
regarding parents who were alive and lived in the same household, parents living in another household,
and parents who were dead (Book 3, section ed1 variables ed03,ed06, ed08a, lh03, par02m).

Much more detailed information about childhood conditions is available from the SHARE data. See
Appendix L: Netherlands for more information.

d In 1996, HRS had a module covering childhood conditions that not all people answered. In subsequent
waves, these questions were included. Childhood health in HRS was identified according to the wave in
which it was first asked respondents from 1996, 1998 and 2000. The same note pertains to parental
education.

3.4.3 Childhood nutrition

Table 3.9 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables from
country-specific surveys for early life childhood health. A description of relevant original
variables can be found in appendices according to country.
Table 3.9: Relationship between constructed
and original variables for childhood nutrition
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS
Notes:

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
height
knee, sitting height, leg length
ca05cm, ca05mm
height
g102b
k4b, k4c
k5b, k5c
htval, htok
sithgt
us04
k05 (see note a)
k06 (see note a)
l4, c72
l8
ph013_
u1_p
u5_p, wu6l1, wu6l2
q2506
height
(see note b)
ix010rec

Variables for SABE-Cuba were slightly different because three values were recorded for each of the
anthropometric measures.

Height (self-reported) was obtained in HRS in the first interview where an older adult participated in
HRS. To obtain height for all respondents several waves of HRS were reviewed.

The constructed variable height indicates the respondents’ measured height in
centimeters. The variable knee indicates the measured knee height (while respondent is
seated, measured from the floor to the top of their knee) in centimeters. Leg is a
variable created to reflect leg length. Leg length for Puerto Rico comes from the second
wave only (wu6l1, wu6l2) and for ELSA from sitting height.
In most cases height and weight were measured by a person in the research team. In
some cases, height and weight were self-reported. This occurred, for example, in WLS,
HRS, and the Netherlands. This also occurred in MHAS where all respondents were
asked to self-report height and weight but height and weight was also measured in a
subset of respondents. In the case of MHAS the construction of height and weight
26

reflected measured variables where possible and then self-reported when measured was
not available. Several self-reported variables for MHAS are depicted by adding a capital
“S” after height, weight, obesity, and BMI variables.
From height, knee height and leg length several indicator variables were created.
Height25NEW indicates the quartile of height to which the respondent belongs.
Knee25NEW and leg25NEW indicate the quartile of knee height and leg length,
respectively, to which the respondent belongs. Leg25NEW was constructed from the
ELSA survey and used the variable leg which indicates a respondents’ leg length in
centimeters. Stunt was a variable to identify stunting as defined according to NHANES
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1998; Beltrán-Sánchez, et al., 2011).
3.4.4 Childhood socioeconomic status

Table 3.10 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables
from country-specific surveys for early life childhood SES. A description of relevant
original variables can be found in appendices according to country.
Table 3.10: Relationship between constructed and original
variables for childhood SES
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS
Notes:

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
poorcecon fathereduc
fatheroccup
(see note a)
(see note a)
in1
c26
a7
h1

f84
difjob, difjobW2
ba07ap, ba08p ba13p
f8
h3a
q1032

(see note c) (see note c)
edfa57q

isco_fa (see note b)
rcode_h4 (see note b)
q1029, q1030
(see note c)
ocf57

Father education was compiled in Bangladesh using several pieces of information asked in the survey
regarding parents who were alive and lived in the same household, parents living in another household,
and parents who were dead (Book 3, section ed1 variables ed03,ed06, ed08a, lh03, par02f). Variables
used to identify parental occupation are available in the Stata code for Bangladesh which is available upon
request.

SHARE and PREHCO used the International Labor Organization’s ISCO-88 standard classification of
occupations (1996-2012).

c In 1996, HRS had a module covering childhood conditions that not all people answered. In subsequent
waves, these questions were included. Child SES in HRS was identified according to the wave in which it
was first asked respondents from 1996, 1998 and 2000.

The constructed harmonized variable poorcecon indicates the childhood SES standing
according to the older adult respondent. In several surveys from Latin America and the
Caribbean region and the US, a retrospective question asked respondents to rate their
childhood SES. Surveys used a different scale to define childhood SES, through all of
them ranged from good to bad. From the retrospective question, the variable poor
childhood SES was defined as a dichotomous variable (poor/average childhood SES or
good childhood SES). In surveys in which the retrospective question was not asked,
other childhood conditions were used to define childhood SES. In Mexico-MHAS,
childhood SES was defined as whether or not a respondent had a toilet in their home as
a child. This variable was a dichotomous variable (yes/no). Fathereduc_ and
fatheroccup_ is country-specific according to how the question about father
occupation was asked.
3.5 Adult lifestyle
3.5.1 Adult smoking

Table 3.11 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables
from country-specific surveys for adult smoking. A description of relevant original
variables can be found in appendices according to country.
Smoking was defined as only cigarette smoking for England, US-HRS, US-WLS, Puerto
Rico-PREHCO (100 cigarettes or more), Taiwan, Mexico-MHAS, and China-CHNS. In
the remaining countries, smoking was defined in the following manner:
Netherlands: Respondent smoked cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, or a pipe daily for
at least one year.
SABE cities: General smoking question. Follow-up question asks about number
of cigarettes, cigars, or pipes smoked per day.
Costa Rica: Respondent smoked more than 100 cigarettes or cigars during
his/her lifetime.
SAGE countries: Respondent smoked tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff, or smokeless tobacco.
Bangladesh: Respondent smoked hookah, biri, cigarettes, or cigars. Smoking was
defined as smoking a hookah (an object used to smoke tobacco, typically), hand
rolled cigarettes and cigarettes/cigars. Variables pertaining to smoking items
other than tobacco smoking such as chewing PAN (betal leaf) are contained
within the country-specific data file for Bangladesh.
China-CLHLS: General smoking question.
Indonesia: Respondent smoked cigarettes or cigars.
Smoke_ is a country-specific variable with slight differences in the wording of the
smoking questions. Questions regarding adult smoking varied across countries in
wording and scaling as to whether the respondent had ever smoked, smoked in the past
or currently smoked.

Countries with identical wording and scaling for adult smoking were combined into the
variables smoke_gen and smoke_100. Smoke_gen combines Argentina,
Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil, Chile, China-CHNS, China-CLHLS, China-SAGE, Cuba,
England, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Mexico-MHAS, Mexico-SABE, Mexico-SAGE,
Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, Uruguay and US-WLS. Smoke_100 combines
Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and US-HRS. Smoke_taiw is specific to Taiwan. Smoke is a
harmonized version of smoke_. It is a dichotomous variable that indicates if the
respondent ever smoked or not. Appendix C provides a table describing the questions
selected from the surveys regarding smoking.
Table 3.11: Relationship between constructed and original variables for
adult smoking
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS/
Latin American cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS
Notes:

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
smoke_
spn01b, spn02b, spn01c, spn02c, spn01d, spn02d
u25, u27
d71, d72
ev8, ev10
smkevr, hesmk, heska, heskaW2
km01a, km02, km04
c24
c54, c55
br001_, br002_
g161, g162
q3001, q3002
smk
V298, V501, W452, D942, E942, F1266, G1400 (see note a)
ixt01rer, ix012rer, ixt07rer

A question about every smoking for HRS was asked once during the first wave in which the older adult
participated in the HRS study. Thus, several waves of HRS were reviewed to obtain information about
respondents in the year 2000.

3.5.2 Adult exercise

Table 3.12 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables
from country-specific surveys for adult exercise. A description of relevant original
variables can be found in appendices according to country.
Exercise refers to the respondents who indicated that they participate in some type of
exercise. In US-HRS, SABE cities, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Mexico-MHAS, this is
defined as vigorous physical activity (including sports, heavy work, or other physical
work) three or more times a week. In the Netherlands, England, and US-WLS, this is
defined as vigorous physical activity, without a specified timeframe. In the remaining
countries, exercise was defined in the following manner:

SAGE countries: Respondent participates in vigorous-intensity activity that
causes large increases in breathing or heart rate (e.g. heavy lifting, digging,
chopping wood) for at least 10 minutes continuously.
Taiwan: Respondent participates in exercise (not defined further).
China-CLHLS: The type or degree of exercise is not specified in survey.
China-CHNS: Respondent participates in heavy or very heavy physical activities
during the work day in a week (e.g. farmer, athlete, dancer, steel worker, lumber
worker, mason, etc.).
Bangladesh: Survey does not ask about exercise behaviors.
Indonesia: Survey does not ask about exercise behaviors.
Exercise_ is a country-specific description of exercise. Questions regarding adult
exercise varied across countries in wording and scaling as to the respondents’ level of
vigorous exercise. A variable called exercise_rigor was created for cases where
surveys had similar concepts for vigorous exercise (CRELES, PREHCO, HRS, MHAS,
ELSA, SABE, CHNS, MHAS, SHARE, SAGE). A variable was created exercise_WLS to
indicate that exercise was determined from question regarding how many hours per
month a respondent exercised. In China and Taiwan a more general question about
exercise was asked and so a variable exercise_gen was created (SEBAS, CLHLS).
From the country-specific variables a harmonized dichotomous variable (exercise) was
then created to indicate if the person exercised or not. Indonesia and Bangladesh had no
information for adult exercise. Appendix C provides a table describing the questions
selected from the surveys regarding exercise.
Table 3.12: Relationship between constructed and
original variables for adult exercise
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

Constructed Variables/
Original Variables
exercise_
u142
d91, d92
ev14
heacta
c25a
c53
br015_
g167
q3016, q3025
b8
G1395
ixe02rer

3.5.3 Adult alcohol consumption

Table 3.13 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables
from country-specific surveys for adult alcohol consumption. A description of relevant
original variables can be found in appendices according to country.
Drinking refers to the respondents who indicated that they drink alcoholic beverages.
The timeframes for drinking habits varied, anywhere from drinking in the last three
months (SABE cities, Puerto Rico), the last six months (Netherlands, Taiwan), the last
year (England, China-CHNS), to anytime in their lifetime (US-HRS, US-WLS, Costa
Rica, Mexico-MHAS). In the remaining countries, drinking was defined in the following
manner:
SAGE countries: Respondent drank an alcoholic beverage in their lifetime (past
drinker) or in the last 30 days (present drinker).
China-CLHLS: Respondent drinks alcohol at present or drank alcohol in the past.
Bangladesh: Survey does not ask about drinking behaviors.
Indonesia: Survey does not ask about drinking behaviors.
From the country-specific variables a harmonized dichotomous variable (drink) was
created to indicate if the person ever drinks alcohol or not. Respondents in the
Bangladesh and Indonesia surveys were not asked about alcohol consumption.
Appendix C provides a table describing the questions selected from the surveys
regarding exercise.
Table 3.13: Relationship between constructed and
original variables for adult alcohol consumption
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

Constructed Variables/
Original Variables
drink
u40
d81, d82
ev1
scako
c23
c60
br010_
g155
q3007, q3008
alc
G1415
ixab01re

Notes: Some surveys such as ELSA have a quite detailed drinking history (e.g. scal7a-7b, scdri*). These
variables appear in the country-specific data for ELSA and are listed Appendix H.

3.5.4 Adult diet

There are no constructed variables for adult diet. Several surveys had questions on adult
diet including China-CHNS, China-CLHLS, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico-PREHCO, TaiwanSEBAS, SAGE and SABE.
The China-CHNS Community Survey includes extensive information on household diet.
In China-CLHLS, respondents were asked several questions regarding their diet. Survey
staff collected data on the respondents’ staple food, consumption of fruits and
vegetables, frequency of consumption of a variety of foods including meat, fish, and
eggs, and preparation of water drank. Costa Rican respondents were asked about their
consumption of major food groups in the last 10 years. Puerto Rican respondents were
asked how many complete meals they eat per day to measure diet. In Taiwan, adult diet
was defined with a dichotomous variable (yes/no) asking whether respondents eat three
vegetables and two fruits a day and a dichotomous variable (yes/no) asking whether
respondents drink milk every day. The SAGE survey asked respondents about their
consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as how frequently they go hungry. In SABE,
diet was measured using several questions. Data were collected on respondents’
consumption of major food groups as well as whether the respondent goes hungry and
considers him/herself well-nourished.
3.5.5 Health care utilization

Table 3.5.5 describes the relationship between the constructed variable healthuse and
original variables from country-specific surveys for health care utilization. A description
of relevant original variables can be found in appendices according to country.
Appendix C also provides questions used to construct this variable across countries.
Table 3.5.5: Relationship between constructed and
original variables for health care utilization
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

Constructed Variables/
Original Variables
healthuse
oc01_1- oc01_16
--f61
f15
--rj00a
f031
d8_5
hc002_
k25
q5026
b13
G2603- G2606
ixhi01re

Notes: Most surveys had a questions regarding health utilization over the time period of one
year. CHNS had a question about health utilization during the last month and so was not
included.

3.6 Adult health outcomes
3.6.1 Self-reported health

Table 3.14 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables
from country-specific surveys for adult self-reported health. A description of relevant
original variables can be found in appendices according to country.
Table 3.14: Relationship between constructed and
original variables for self-reported health
Constructed Variables/
Original Variables
Countries
health
poorhealth
Bangladesh-MHSS
gh01
gh01
China-CHNS
u48a
u48a
China-CLHLS
b12
b12
Costa Rica-CRELES
c1
c1
England-ELSA
hehelf
hehelf
Indonesia-IFLS
kk01
kk01
Latin American cities-SABE c01
c01
Mexico-MHAS
c1
c1
Netherlands-SHARE
srhealtha
srhealtha
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
g1
g1
SAGE
q2000
q2000
Taiwan-SEBAS
b1
b1
US-HRS
G1226
G1226
US-WLS
gx201re, ix001rer

Adult health was defined using a general question asking respondents to rate their
current state of health. Surveys used a different scale to define self-reported health,
ranging from excellent to poor health. Health_ is country-specific or survey-specific
depending on similarities in the scaling of the question. Poorhealth was harmonized
based on the different scales for self-reported health (see Appendix C).
In addition to self-reported health variables, there are three variations of an indicator of
good health: goodhealth, goodhealth2, goodhealth3. The indicator is a composite
measure of good health following closely the approach used in the creation of an
international recognized generic indicator of health status, the Short- Form (SF)-12.
The SF-12 is a series of 12 questions which measures physical and mental health
dimensions based on 3-item or 5-item scales. Its validity and reliability has been well
tested across many different countries (McDowell, 2006). In the case of the selected
countries for the cross national data set, the SF-12 questions were not asked in all the
surveys. However, it was possible to create an indicator of “good health” that was more
objective in nature rather than relying, for example, solely on questions of self-reported
health. The indicator of health status called goodhealth included three dimensions:
33

(1) self-reported health; (2) BMI; and (3) frailty (functionality). To combine the three
dimensions of health into a composite index of good health a simple rule was followed in
the SF-12 (McDowell, 2006): for each respondent the non-missing number of responses
for all three dimensions of health was summed and then rescaled all responses to a 0100 scale, normalizing the scale to the minimum and maximum sum possible within the
non-missing items. To have a valid score for good health, respondents had to have at
least two non-missing responses. Very preliminary analysis of this measure has shown
that it has good construct validity (McEniry, 2009). Modifications of goodhealth
included adding a fourth dimension for chronic conditions (specifically heart disease
and diabetes) (goodhealth2) and including only BMI and functionality
(goodhealth3).
3.6.2 Functionality/disability

Table 3.15 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables
from country-specific surveys for adult functionality/disability. A description of relevant
original variables can be found in appendices according to country.
There is no consensus on the definition of frailty (Bergman et al., 2007; Rockwood &
Mitnitski, 2007), but physical limitations questions are used as one reasonable
definition of frailty. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) reflect impairments associated
with underlying conditions that induce physiological limitations and deterioration and
provide a useful benchmark to calibrate demand for care, assistance, and support. ADLs
are good probes of physical functioning, particularly lower body functionality (Smith,
Branch & Scherr, 1990), and reflect impairment created by chronic conditions as well as
cognitive and affective functioning (Stump, Clark, Johnson, & Wolinsky, 1977; Wray,
Herzog & Park, 1996; Wray & Lynch, 1998).
NadlGT0, NadlGT0_alt and NiadlGT0 are country-specific functionality items
since countries differed in terms of inclusion of functionality items. Functionality was
based on ADLs developed by Katz and Akpom (1976) and defined by NadlGT0,
disability scales developed by Nagi (1976) and defined by NadlGT0_alt and
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) developed by Lawton and Brody (1969)
and defined by NiadlGT0.
A harmonized version of the Katz and Akpom items was constructed called
NadlGT0harm. ADLs were harmonized according to Pluijm et al. (2005) by selecting
items in common across most countries (bathing, dressing, toileting and
transferring). In the case of countries which do not have a particular item (Costa
Rica—difficulty in dressing, Indonesia—toileting and transferring, and China-CHNS—
transferring), items were constructed using Nagi physical performance measures
following guidelines developed by Pluijm et al. (2005). Country-specific Cronbach alpha
and the Kuder-Richardson coefficient of reliability (Kuder & Richardson, 1937) were
used to test the internal consistency and the reliability of the items. A dichotomous
variable was defined for reporting at least one ADL (1=at least one difficulty, 0=none)
and then the construct validity was assessed by examining the country-specific
relationship between disability and age group. Results from harmonizing the ADLs show
34

very good country-specific reliability and validity of the harmonized ADL measure. In all
countries, (1) internal consistency was very high (kr20 ranged from 0.66-0.93); (2) age
was significantly associated with reporting at least one ADL; and (3) there were
significant associations between poor self-reported health and disability. In most
countries there were significant associations between disability and adult heart disease,
diabetes and obesity.
Table 3.15: Relationship between constructed and original
variables for functionality/disability
Countries
BangladeshMHSS
China-CHNS
ChinaCLHLS
Costa RicaCRELES
EnglandELSA
IndonesiaIFLS
Latin
American
cities-SABE
MexicoMHAS
NetherlandsSHARE
Puerto RicoPREHCO
SAGE
TaiwanSEBAS
US-HRS

US-WLS

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
NadlGT0
NadlGT0_alt
NiadlGT0
gh09J-gh09M

gh09A-gh09I

u167, u169, u171,
u172, u173
e1-e6

u157-u166

d6, d8, d11, d13, d16,
d19
headb01-headb13
(see note a)
kk03f, kk03h

d2-d4

d11, d13a, d14a, d15a,
d16a, d17a
h15_1, h13, h16_1,
h12, h17_1, h18_1,
h19_1 (see note b)
ph049d1-ph049d6
i9-i14
q2037, q2038, q2041
- q2044
b7_1 - b7_6
G2725, G2723,
G2742, G2752,
G2762, G2775

e11-e13

heada01heada10
kk03a- kk03e,
kk03i, kk03j,
kk03g
d02-d10, d01a,
d01b, d01c

u174, u175, u176,
u177, u178
e7-e10, e14
d21, d23, d25,
d27
headb01-headb13
(see note a)

d18a-d25a

h1-h11

h26_1, h27_1,
h28_1, h29_1

ph048d1ph048d10

ph049d7ph049d13
i1-i7

q2025 - q2031,
q2034 - q2036,
q2040
b5_1 - b5_9

q2032, q2033,
q2045, q2046,
q2039
b6_1 - b6_6

G2689, G2690,
G2692, G2695,
G2698, G2701,
G2704, G2707,
G2710, G2713,
G2716, G2719
ixch03re ixch09re

G2860, G2916,
G2865, G2870,
G2875

Note: Many surveys have performance measures which can be used to confirm self-reported functionality
(see Appendix C or country specific appendices for more detail). Appendix C also provides more detail

regarding the components of ADLs, IADLs and Nagi items used across surveys. Constructing
functionality variables for ADLs was not straightforward in some cases such as US-HRS due to complex
skip patterns embedded in the survey instrument.
In the ELSA survey, the variables headb01-headb13 contained values corresponding to both ADLs and
IADLs.
a

In MHAS survey, the variable h12 (picking up a coin from the table) was used to complement the ADL
for difficulty with eating. For those who had no difficulty picking up a coin, they also were identified as
having no difficulty with eating.

3.6.3 Chronic conditions

Table 3.16 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables
from country-specific surveys for adult functionality. A description of relevant original
variables can be found in appendices according to country.
Survey data on older adults use self-reported questions to estimate the prevalence of
chronic conditions. Respondents were asked if they had ever been diagnosed by a
medical professional with certain conditions. In some cases, surveys have biomarkers or
symptoms questions which help address the problem of underestimation of selfreported health. CRELES, SEBAS and SAGE have biomarker data. The SAGE surveys
have symptom questions for some chronic conditions based on validated measures
which complement self-reported health. There are other surveys which have symptom
questions (PREHCO) but SAGE has complete symptom questions based on the Rose
(1962, 1977) questionnaire.
Chronic conditions of interest to the cross national data set include hypertension,
diabetes, cancer, lung disease, heart disease, tuberculosis, stroke, arthritis, osteoporosis,
and heart attack. Each of these conditions was defined with a dichotomous variable (the
respondent has/does not have the chronic condition). From responses to self-reports,
variables for major chronic conditions were constructed: hypertension, cancer,
respiratory, heart, heart_2, angina, heart_attack, diabetes, stroke, and
arthritis. From these variables, country-specific variables were constructed which
reflect the number of chronic conditions (Nchronic) and if the respondent reported at
least one chronic condition (onechronic).
In some countries, there are additional chronic conditions. For example, in ChinaCLHLS, Indonesia, and Mexico-MHAS respondents were asked to identify if they had
tuberculosis (g15f2, cd05c, a9a respectively). SABE respondents were asked to identify
if they had osteoporosis (c11e). Several countries had questions regarding depression.
Puerto Rico had a variable indicating heart attack (g35). SAGE surveys include asthma
(q4033). See Appendix C and country-specific appendices for more information.
3.6.4 Anthropometric measures

Table 3.17 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables
from country-specific surveys for adult anthropometric measures such as weight, waist
and hip (height, knee height and leg are reported earlier in the table on childhood
36

nutrition). Weight indicates the respondents’ measured weight in kilograms. Waist
and hip indicate the respondents’ measured waist and hip in centimeters.
Height and weight measurements or self-reported values were obtained for more surveys of
older adults. From height and weight, a variable reflecting body mass index and dichotomous
variables for obesity were created (bmi, bmiS, bmi_cat, obesity, and obesityS). Bmi

indicates the respondents’ body mass index (calculated using weight/height2). Bmi_cat
categorizes respondents into body mass index categories (severely underweight,
underweight, normal, overweight, and obese). WLS has a variable called ix011rec which
is a variable for BMI already calculated by survey staff. Obesity was a dichotomous
variable (0-not obese, 1-obese) calculated from the constructed variables bmi and
bmi_cat and defined as obese for respondents with a BMI greater or equal to 30. A
description of relevant original variables can be found in appendices according to
country.
Table 3.17: Relationship between constructed and original variables
for anthropometric measures
Constructed Variables/Original Variables
weight
waist
hip
ca07gm, ca07km
weight
u10
u9
g101
k3b, k3c
k6b, k6c
k7b, k7c
wtval, wtok
wstval, wstokb
hipval,
hipokb
Indonesia-IFLS
us06
us06a
us06b
Latin American cities-SABE k11
k08
k09
(see note a)
(see note a)
(see note a)
Mexico-MHAS
l3, c71
l5
l6
Netherlands-SHARE
ph012_
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
u4_l
u2_p
u3_p
SAGE
q2507
q2508
q2509
Taiwan-SEBAS
weight
waist
hip
US-HRS
G1425
US-WLS
ix009rer
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA

Notes: in most surveys, trained personnel from survey staff took measurements for different
anthropometric features such as height, knee height, weight, hip and waist. The following surveys had
only self-reported height and weight: HRS, WLS, and the Netherlands. MHAS had self-reports for most
respondents and a subset where trained interviewers took measurements.
Variables for SABE-Cuba were slightly different because three values were recorded for each of the
anthropometric measures.

Table 3.16: Relationship between constructed and original variables for key chronic conditions
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa RicaCRELES
England-ELSA
(see note a)
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American
cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
NetherlandsSHARE
Puerto RicoPREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
hypertension
diabetes
cancer
cm01_8
u22
u24a
g15a2
g15b2
g15i2
c4
c10
c18

respiratory
cm01_7

heart

stroke

g15e2
c22

u24j
g15c2
c32, c26

u24l
g15d2
c35

arthritis
cm01_2
g15n2
c41

hedia01hedia07
cd05A
(see note b)
c04

hedia01hedia07
cd05B
(see note b)
c05

hedib01hedib05
cd05I
(see note b)
c06

hedib01hedib04
cd05E
(see note b)
c07

hedia01hedia07
cd05F
(see note b)
c08

hedia01hedia07
cd05H
(see note b)
c09

hedib01hedib04
cd05J
(see note b)
c10

c4
ph006d2

c6
ph006d5

c12
ph006d10

c19
ph006d6

c22
ph006d1

c27
ph006d4

c34
ph006d8

g24

g31

g40

g49

q4060

q4022

q4010

q4001

b4a_1
G1238
gx341re

b4a_2
G1245
gx342re

g36
(see note c)
q4014- q4020
(see note d)
b4a_3
G1289
gx351re

b4a_4
G1309
gx356re

b4a_7
G1327
gx360re

Notes:

q4025
b4a_5
G1262
gx348re

b4a_6
G1279
ix089rer,
ix085rer

a The identification of chronic conditions is complicated in ELSA. To determine whether ELSA identified a chronic condition, the first wave had to
be reviewed. Then, from the second wave (or the baseline for the cross national data set), all chronic conditions had to be double checked to see if
respondents were still reporting the same condition. ELSA uses identical variables from wave to wave in some cases. In the cross national data,
variables were renamed with wave identifiers. For example, the variables hedia* and hedib* from wave 1 are now W1hedia* and W1hedib*. If there
were discrepancies between wave 1 and wave 2, the hedian* and hediam* variables were used to verify the reason for such discrepancies.
b Chronic

conditions for the Indonesia survey taken from the 2007 survey. Most of the other data regarding Indonesia is from the 2000 survey.

Puerto Rico also has a question asking about heart attack.

SAGE heart variable includes a self-reported question but also several symptom questions based on the Rose questionnaire (1962, 1977).

3.6.5 Mortality

Table 3.18 describes the relationship between the constructed and original variables
from country-specific surveys for adult mortality. Indicated also are the countries where
mortality data were available. A description of relevant original variables can be found
in appendices according to country.
Table 3.18: Relationship between constructed and original variables
for adult mortality
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA c
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American
cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
NetherlandsSHARE
Puerto RicoPREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS c
Notes:

Constructed Variables/Original Variables
deadFIN
Other variables found in
country-specific files
(see note a)
dod, t7_00, t7_06,
dod_rpt
d5vyear
d5vyear, v_bthyr
muerto
mortfin
yrdeath, agedead2, maincod,
mortwave
died07

Mortality data
available?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No

fallecido03
deadoralive

sa6

Yes
Yes

tipo_e (see note b)

cause_recode_72

Yes

KALIVE, NYEAR
deatyr, deatmn

gw006ifc, livgrad, deatmn,
ndi01-ndi46

No
No
Yes
Yes

a Dead

was identified from mortality data given to author for use in the cross national data. No original
variable is available.
The variable tipo_e is from the PREHCO questionnaire. This information was complemented with NDI
data to identify deceased respondents.

In WLS and ELSA, all observations are coded as either dead or “assumed to be alive.”

A variable dead includes an identification of missing values if there were any (-1). In the
case of ELSA and WLS for the years covered it appears that there were no missing
values. The variable deadFIN assumes that missing are alive and thus eliminates the
category of missing. Additional variables relating to death (date of death, cause of death)
are indicated in the table where these data were available. In Puerto Rico, the cause of
death was defined by the National Death Index (NDI) using the International Statistical
Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes (ICD-9) including but not
39

limited to heart disease, cancer, respiratory, diabetes, cerebrovascular, atherosclerosis,
infection, Alzheimer’s disease, renal failure, accidents, digestive, ill defined, and other.
In all countries with mortality data, mortality rates can be computed based on interview
and death dates if available.
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Appendix A: Original Funding Sources for Studies Included in the First Public Release of the
RELATE Data
For the China Health and Nutrition Study (CHNS), whose data is included as part of this data collection,
funding was obtained via the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, China Center for Disease
Control and Prevention, Carolina Population Center (5 R24 HD050924), the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (R01-HD30880, DK056350, R24 HD050924, and R01HD38700) and the Fogarty International Center. Further, the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Ministry of
Health provided support for the CHNS study in 2009. Funding from these sources supported the CHNS data
collection and analysis files from 1989 to 2011 and future surveys.
For the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), whose data is included as part of this
data collection, funding was provided by the National Institute of Aging (NIA)/NIH grants R01 AG02362701 (PI: Zeng Yi) (Grant name: Demographic Analysis of Healthy Longevity in China) and P01 AG 008761
(PI: Zeng Yi; Program Project Director: James W. Vaupel), awarded to Duke University, with Chinese
matching support for personnel costs and some local expenses. UNFPA and the China Social Sciences
Foundation provided additional support for expanding the 2002 CLHLS survey. The Max Planck Institute
for Demographic Research has provided support for international training since the CLHLS 1998 baseline
survey. Finally, in December 2004 the China Natural Sciences Foundation and the Hong Kong Research
Grants Council (RGC) partnered with NIA/NIH, providing grants to partially support the CLHLS project.
The Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES), whose data is also included as part of this
data collection, was conducted by the University of Costa Rica's Centro Centroamericano de Población in
collaboration with the Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud, with the support of the Wellcome Trust (grant
072406). The Principal Investigator is Luis Rosero-Bixby, with Co-Principal Investigators Xinia Fernández
(University of Costa Rica) and William H. Dow (University of California, Berkeley).
For the Puerto Rican Elderly (PREHCO) study, whose data is included as part of this data collection,
funding was obtained by NIA grant R01 AG1620901A2.
For the Survey on Health, Well-Being, and Aging in Latin America and the Caribbean (SABE) study, whose
data is included as part of this data collection, the Center for Demography and Ecology at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison supported the necessary activities towards the implementation of The SABE Research
and partially sponsored Dr. Alberto Palloni's participation. An Inter-Agency Agreement between the Pan
American Health Organization and The National Institute on Aging partially supported the technical
advisory activities with preparation of a database and preliminary analyses. In addition, a grant from The
National Institute on Aging allowed for Dr. Palloni's participation in technical consultation activities at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison. Finally, the SABE website was developed with assistance and funding
from the Center for Demography of Health and Aging.
For the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE), whose data is
included as part of this data collection, Wave II (conducted between 2007 and 2008) was supported by
WHO and the Division of Behavioral and Social Research at the US National Institute on Aging, through
Interagency Agreements (OGHA 04034785; YA1323-08-CN-0020; Y1-AG-1005-01).
For the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), whose data is included as part of the data collection, funding
since 1991 has been supported principally by the National Institute on Aging (AG-9775 and AG-21079), with
additional support from the Vilas Estate Trust, the National Science Foundation, the Spencer Foundation,
and the Graduate School of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A public use file of data from the
46

Wisconsin Longitudinal Study is available from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (Address: University of
Wisconsin-Madison, 1180 Observatory Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53706) as well as via the WLS study
website.

Step #
1.1

1.2

2.1

2.2
2.3

3.1
3.2
3.3

4.1

4.2

5.1

5.2
5.3
5.4

Abstract

Appendix B: Archiving and Preservation

Details
Stage 1: Pre-Processing Review Stage
Use StatTransfer for the conversion; Open SPSS, then paste datafile to
Convert file to SPSS; create
create syntax; generate a frequency output file by running SPSS through
syntax; produce frequencies
Unix.
Review frequencies; make list
Review the frequency output file (.sps.out), create an excel spreadsheet
of issues requiring follow-up;
noting the filename, the problematic variable, and the issue that needs to
compare frequencies with
be resolved. This can be done to document discrepancies with the
appendices
appendix too.
Stage 2: Processing Stage
To resolve discrepancies between the PI-supplied appendices and the
Fix issues that can be fixed
datafile, refer to the original data questionnaires. Use track changes to
using materials deposited by
modify the appendix. To modify the data/the labeling scheme, modify the
PI
SPSS syntax file.
Contact PI / PI research
Provide a modified excel spreadsheet that includes the data filename, the
assistant for assistance in
problematic variable, and a brief description of the problem
resolving remaining issues
Incorporate PI / PI research
This step will require making additional modifications to the SPSS
assistant feedback; make
syntax. If the changes needed are extensive, it might necessitate sending
changes
the frequencies back to the PI/PI research assistant for a second review
Stage 3: Quality-Check (QC) Stage
Preliminary QCs requires temporary employees/research technicians to
review the frequencies and, if issues are spotted, to attempt to resolve the
Conduct an internal QC; Have
issues. At this point, issues should be minor, necessitating little feedback
2-3 people review frequencies
from the PIs.
Send files to PI and the DSDR
These include updated frequencies and the modified appendices.
Archive Manager for QCs
Make any final modifications
This step will require making additional modifications to the SPSS
to the data based on the PI and
syntax.
Archive Manager QCs
Stage 4: Hermes Stage
Hermes is an internal ICPSR program that takes our processed datafile
(input) and produces data and setup files in SAS, SPSS, Stata, and R
Run Hermes; fix any issues
format. It also produces a PDF codebook with frequencies and a data
with Hermes
completeness report. Sometimes errors occur when running Hermes, and
these need to be resolved before proceeding.
Setup files produced by Hermes need to be QC-ed using a standardized
Conduct Hermes tests
testing plan. Usually no issues arise, but occasionally errors need to be
resolved and Hermes must be run again.
Stage 5: Metadata / Documentation Compilation Stage
Metadata is the study description, and ICPSR has a template that is used
Compile the study metadata
to compile this based on documentation supplied by the PI. This is the
description that will appear in the study's page on the ICPSR website.
The metadata template must be approved by the ICPSR metadata
editors; PDF document covers for the ICPSR-generated codebook(s) and
Send metadata for approval;
any documentation provided by the PIs that will be released must be
obtain documentation covers
obtained from the editors.
Compile the study
Once covers are obtained, they must be merged with the ICPSRdocumentation
generated codebook(s) and any documentation provided by the PIs.
Obtain approval of
Documentation must be submitted to the documentation editors for
documentation
approval.
Stage 6: Turnover Stage
48

6.1
6.2
6.3
7.1
7.2

A turnover directory, complete with the Hermes-generated datafiles and
setup files, PDF documentation, and processing history (syntax) files is
compiled.
Conduct a turnover quality
An internal program (turnqa) can be run to QC the turnover directory. If
check; obtain turnover
the quality-checks pass, then turnover authorization is requested from
authorization
the Archive Manager.
Turnover study
An internal program (turnover -s) is run to turnover the study.
Stage 7: Preservation / Study Update Stage
Study files are organized in a secure data environment (SDE) and are
Maintain the study files in a
preserved; no datafiles are deleted, and processing history files serve as a
secure location
record of the modifications made to the data.
The study can be updated by modifying existing data, removing parts of
Update study as needed
the data, or adding more data. Study updates undergo the exact same
process as new studies.
Compile a turnover directory

Note: Table compiled by Tommaso Pavone, Research Technician Senior at Data-Sharing for Demographic Research
(DSDR), 5-8-2013.

Appendix C: Harmonization of Key Variables

OVERVIEW

Adult SES

HH income
wealth
Adult Lifesty le
smoking
drinking
ex ercise
health use
diet
Health Outcom es self-reported health
heart
diabetes
obesity
ADLs (Katz)
Nagi items
IADLs
performance measures
other chronic conditions
biomarkers
mortality
Depression and
Depression CES-D
Cognition
(mood)
Cognition

health
heart
diabetes
obesity
NadlGT0
NadlGT0_alt
NiadlGT0

deadFIN

CHNS

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x

x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x

x
NO

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

1 1 -1 7 1 8
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

x
x

x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x

x
NO

1 9 20-25

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x

SAGE

ELSA

Netherlands

Taiwan

Bangladesh

MHAS

x
x
x

HRS

education
y educa
income
wealth_index
smoking1
drinking1
ex ercise1
healthuse

x
x
x
x
x

WLS

Early Life

country
gender
age
demographic regime
health sy stem
current residence
ethnicity
height (cm)
weight (kilos)
waist
knee (cm)/leg length
month of birth
rural birthplace
father education
father occupation
mother education
mother occupation
childhood health
poor child SES
other conditions
education

Puerto Rico

Dem ographic

Costa Rica

Ov erall

ALL
x

Indonesia

Count ries

v ariable
id
samplewgt
country
gender
age
regime
hscore
residence
ethnic_
height
weight
waist
knee, leg
quarter
ruralFIN
fathereduc
fatheroccup
mothereduc
motheroccup
poorchealth
poorcecon

CLHLS

Table
TableA1:
C1:Summary
SummaryofofKey
KeyVariables
Variables

SABE

Table C1 shows a description of the major variables within the cross national data set. The “X”s in the table
indicate that a country asked questions from which the corresponding variables could be constructed. Below
the table describes a cross national comparison of some of the selected variables and the questions and in
some cases the scales used.

x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Notes: Argentina-SABE did not have values for height, weight, waist, knee/leg or obesity.
Taiwan did not have a continuous income variable, but does use an SES ladder variable. The same ladder variable was
used to evaluate wealth.
England used an SES ladder variable to determine wealth.
Indonesian health outcomes for heart conditions are from the 2007 survey (rather than the 2000 survey).
Regarding other life course factors, in addition to information about early life conditions all of the named surveys
contain comprehensive information that reflect conditions in adulthood (e.g. migration, adult occupation, medicines
taken, health care utilization, transfers, housing as an adult and/or property owned). Check the country-specific
questionnaires for more information for a particular survey.
Other major chronic conditions are listed in Table C16 below.
Note that while the above table identifies depression and cognition availability across surveys, variables for these
dimensions are not yet included in the cross national data set.
Mother occupation was available in some surveys (e.g. SAGE, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, ELSA, and
Bangladesh) but in instances such as Puerto Rico information was largely missing. A constructed variable was created
with information from selected countries such as SAGE and Indonesia only (motheroccup). Occupational codes for
mother will need to be reviewed in surveys from Bangladesh, Netherlands and ELSA.

DEMOGRAPHICS
Residence. The harmonized measure residence indicates if the respondent’s residence was urban or rural at the time of
the survey. Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C2: Original variable, question, original variable scale and corresponding residence scale

Country
Bangladesh-MHSS a
China-CHNS

Variable Question
n/a, all rural respondents
t2
Urban Site.

China-CLHLS

residenc

Current residence area of interviewee.

Costa Rica

URBAN

Living in urban or rural area now.

Indonesia

sc05

Area:

SABE a
Mexico-MHAS

murb

n/a, all urban respondents
Community of residence has 100,000 people or more.

SAGE

q0104

Taiwan

rural

Setting: An urban area that has been legally proclaimed as being urban.
Such areas include towns, cities and metropolitan areas.
All other areas that are not classified as being urban. This includes
commercial farms, small settlements, rural villages and other areas which
are further away from towns and cities.
2000 Residence: Urban or Rural township.

Notes:
a Bangladesh

Scale

Residence

1-urban site
2-rural site
1-city
2-town
3-rural
1-yes
0-no
1-urban
2-rural

0-urban
1-rural
0-urban
0-urban
1-rural
0-urban
1-rural
0-urban
1-rural

0-less
urbanized
regions
1-more
urbanized
regions
1-urban
2-rural

1-rural

0-urban
1-rural

0-urban
0-urban
1-rural

and SABE are not based on any variable, but are set to either all urban (SABE) or all rural (Bangladesh).

EARLY LIFE CONDITIONS
RuralFIN. The harmonized measure ruralFIN indicates if a person spent their childhood in a rural area (1=yes, 0=no).
Table C3 describes the questions used to ascertain if the respondent had spent a significant amount of time in a rural area
as a child. Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C3: Original variables and questions used to construct childhood birthplace

Country
Bangladesh-MHSS

Variable
mg02
mg04

China-CHNS
China-CLHLS

t2
a41
a43
pc

Questions
Is [your birthplace] a…1-village, 2-small town, 5-big city, don’t know
Is the place [where you lived when you were 12 years old] a… 1-village, 2-small town, 5-big city,
don’t know
Urban site
In which province were you born?
Was the place of birth an urban area or rural area (at time of birth)?
Province and canton of birth.

mg04a
mg08
a02
a04b
murb
a21

When you were 12 years old did you live in the same place as the place where you were born?
When you were 12, was the place a: 1-village, 3-small town, 5-big city, 8-don’t know
Were you born in […]?
During the first 15 years of your life, did you live in a rural area for 5 years or more?
Community of residence has 100,000 people or more
About how many years have you lived in this community or have you always lived here

q1024
q1020
q0104

Where did you live during most of your life before turning 18 years old?
Would you say that before turning 18 years old you lived mostly in the countryside, in the city, in
the suburbs or in another place?
Where did you live for most of your childhood (age 9 or younger)?
Have you always lived in this village/town/city?
Setting (circle one) An urban area that has been legally proclaimed as being urban.
Such areas include towns, cities and metropolitan areas. All other areas that are not classified as
being urban. This includes commercial farms, small settlements, rural villages and other areas
which are further away from towns and cities.

Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American
cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS

Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO o1
o2
SAGE

Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS

G1125

US-WLS

rlur5

Were you living in a rural area most of the time when you were [in grade school/in high
school/about age 10]?
1957 rural-urban residence of respondent
53

Note: In most cases, the variable ruralFIN was defined only for those people born in the country interviewed. The exception was China-CHNS
where there was not a variable indicating if respondents were born in the country. In the case of Taiwan and the Netherlands, it was not possible to
discern if they had lived rural or urban areas as a child, although additional survey data from the Netherlands (SHARE) may provide this
information.

Father education. Father education defines the level of education the respondent’s father achieved. Variables that
defined fathereduc were constructed based on different scales for some countries. Country-specific father education
variables were created for those countries where scales differed. Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail
regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C4: Original variables and questions or scales with corresponding father education scale
Country
Bangladesh-MHSS a

Variable
ed03
ed06
ed08a

Question or scale
What was your highest class COMPLETED?

Indonesia-IFLS

ba07ap (only used to
define no school)
ba08p

ba07ap=3 (No)
02-elementary
70-Madrasah
72-Islamic elementary school (Madrasah Ibtidaiyah)
90-kindergarten
04-junior high - vocational
05-senior high - general
06-senior high - vocational
11-adult education a
12-adult education b
13-open university
14-Islamic school (Pesantren)
60-college, D1, D2, D3
61-university (Bachelor)
62-university (Master)
63-university (PhD)
73-Islamic junior/high school (Madrasah Tsanawiyah)
74-Madrasah Aliyah

fathereduc
1-no school
2-primary
3-secondary
4-secondary+
1-no school
2-primary
2-primary
2-primary
2-primary

3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
54

Country
Mexico-MHAS

Variable
f8

Puerto Rico-PREHCO h3a

SAGE

q1032

US-HRSb

V213, F1000, G1087

US-WLS

edfa57q

Question or scale
1-none
2-some elementary
3-completed elementary
4-more than elementary
0-he did not go to school
1-he went to school but he did not complete eighth
grade
2-he went to school and he completed eighth grade or
higher
0-no formal education
1-less than primary school
2-primary school completed
3-secondary school completed
4-high school (or equivalent) completed
5-college/pre-university/university completed
6-post graduate degree completed
0-no formal education
1-8-grades
9-11-grades
12-high school
13-15-some college
16-college grad
17-post college (17+ years)
7-did not attend high school
10-attended high school
12-graduated from high school
13-attended trade or business school
14-attended college
16-graduated from college
18-has masters or PhD

fathereduc
1-none
2-primary
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
1-noschool
2-primary
3-secondary and plus
1-no school
2-primary
2-primary
3-secondary
3-secondary
4-more than secondary
4-more than secondary
1-no school
2-primary
3-secondary
4-secondary+
2-primary
3-secondary
3- secondary
3- secondary
4- secondary +
4- secondary +
4- secondary +

Notes: In some surveys (Indonesia, Puerto Rico, MHAS) secondary and secondary plus were combined into one category. In the case of
Indonesia, the small number of cases beyond secondary justified this classification. In the case of Puerto Rico and MHAS the original question was
not specific to identify education greater than a secondary level.
a For Bangladesh, there were multiple variables used to deduce father education. Which question was asked of the respondent or directly of the
respondent’s father depended on where his/her father was currently living (with the respondent or not) and whether the respondent’s father was

currently alive or deceased. The categories of father education were based primarily on variable ed08a which asked, “What was your highest class
attended?” However, also used were ed03 (“Have you ever attended/are you attending school?”), ed06 (“If you ever attended school, what was the
type of school last attended?”), as well as lh03 (position in household) and paro2f (“Did father live in the household”).
b US-HRS

combined three waves (1996, 1998, 2000) for parental education.

Father occupation. Father occupation defines the occupation of the respondent’s father when the respondent was a
child. Variables that defined fatheroccup were constructed based on different scales for some countries. Country-specific
father occupation variables were created for those countries where scales differed. Refer to the country-specific
appendices for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C5: Original variables and questions or scales with corresponding father occupation scale

Country
China-CLHLS

Variable
f84

England-ELSA

difjob

Question or scale
0-professional or technical personnel
1-governmental, institutional or managerial personnel
2-staff/service worker/industrial worker
4-agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fishery
5-housework
6-military personnel
7-unemployed
8-other, please specify
01-armed forces
02-manager or senior official in someone else’s business
03-running his own business
04-professional or technical
05-administrative, clerical or secretarial
06-skilled trade
07-caring, leisure, travel or personal services
08-sales or customer service
09-plant, process or machine drivers or operators
10-other jobs
11-something else
12-casual jobs
13-retired
14-unemployed
15-sick/disabled

fatheroccup
3-professional
3-professional
2-urban service worker
1-agricultural worker
4-all other
4-all other
4-all other
4-all other
4-all other
3-professional
3-professional
3-professional
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
4-all other
4-all other
4-all other
4-all other
4-all other
4-all other
56

Country
Indonesia-IFLS

Variable
ba13p

Netherlands-SHARE

isco_fa

Puerto Rico-PREHCO rcode_h4

SAGE

q1029 (Was your father
ever employed?)
q1030 (What was your
father’s main
employer?)

Question or scale
01-professional or technical worker
02-managerial, administrative, decision making staff
03-clerical personnel and the like
04-sales personnel
05-service personnel
06-farm, forestry, game hunting, fishery worker
07-production line worker
08-transportation vehicle operator
09-blue collar worker
10-other, specify
1-managers
2-professionals
3-technicians and associate professionals
4-clerical support workers
5-service and sales workers
6-skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers
7-craft and related trades workers
8-plant and machine operators, and assemblers
9-elementary occupations
0-armed forces occupations
0006-housewife / houseman
0007-welfare support / pension / etc.
1-management occupations
2-professional and related
3-services and sales
4-office and administrative support occupation
5-farming, fishing and forestry
6-construction, extraction and
7-production, transportation and material
99-not specified
q1029 a
2-no
q1030
1-public sector (government)
2-private sector (for profit or not for profit)
3-self-employed

fatheroccup
3-professional
3-professional
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
1-agricultural worker
4-all other
4-all other
4-all other
4-all other
1-manager
2-professional
3-technicians
4-clerical
5-service/sales
6-skilled agr/forestry/fish
7-craft/trade
8-plant/machine operators
9-elementary occupations
10-armed forces
11-other
11-other
3-professional
3-professional
2-service worker, construction, maintenance
2-service worker, construction, maintenance
1-mostly agricultural worker
2-service worker, construction, maintenance
2-service worker, construction, maintenance
4-all other
5-never employed
1-public sector
2-private sector
3-self-employed
57

Country

Variable

US-HRS b

E5654M (1996)
F997HM (1998)
G1084M (2000) c

US-WLS

ocf57

Notes:
a

Question or scale
4-informal employment
1-managerial specialty operation
2-professional specialty operation and technical support
3-sales
4-clerical, administrative support
5-service: private household, cleaning and building services
6-service: protection
7-service: food preparation
8-health services
9-personal services
10-farming, forestry, fishing
11-mechanics and repair
12-construction trade and extractors
13-precision production
14-operators: machine
15-operators: transport, etc.
16-operators: handlers, etc.
17-member of Armed Forces
1-unskilled or not ascertained
2-farming
3-skilled
4-white collar
5-professional or executive

fatheroccup
4-informal employment
3-professional
3-professional
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
2-urban service worker
1-agricultural worker
1-agricultural worker
1-agricultural worker
1-agricultural worker
1-agricultural worker
1-agricultural worker
1-agricultural worker
4-all other
2-urban service worker
1-agricultural worker
2-urban service worker
3-professional
3-professional

SAGE used variable q1029 to define the “never employed” category, but q1030 for all other categories.

b US-HRS

combined three waves (1996, 1998, 2000) for father’s occupation.

The variables for HRS 2000 all begin with the letter “G,” earlier years start with different letters. For example, “E” was used for 1996 and “F” for
1998. Variables from previous years do not appear in the table, though data may have been used to gather responses.

Mother education. Mother education defines the level of education the respondent’s mother achieved. It was split into
different country-specific variables where scales differed. Country-specific motheroccup variables were created for those
countries where scales differed (SAGE, Indonesia). Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the
original variables for mother occupation.
58

Table C6: Original variables and questions or scales with corresponding mother education scale
Country
Bangladesh-MHSS a

Costa Rica-CRELES

Variable
ed03
ed06
ed08a
lh03
par02m
a18

Indonesia-IFLS

ba07am (only used to
define no school)
ba08m

Mexico-MHAS

Question or scale
What was your highest class COMPLETED?

mothereduc
1-no school
2-primary
3-secondary
4-secondary+

1-none
2-elementary
3-secondary
4-higher education

1-no school
2-primary
3-secondary
4-secondary+

ba07am=3 (No)
02-elementary
70-Madrasah
72-Islamic elementary school (Madrasah Ibtidaiyah)
90-kindergarten
04-junior high - vocational
05-senior high - general
06-senior high - vocational
11-adult education a
12-adult education b
13-open university
14-Islamic school (Pesantren)
60-college, D1, D2, D3
61-university (Bachelor)
62-university (Master)
63-university (PhD)
73-Islamic junior/high school (Madrasah Tsanawiyah)
74-Madrasah Aliyah
1-none
2-some elementary
3-completed elementary
4-more than elementary

1-no school
2-primary
2-primary
2-primary
2-primary
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
3-secondary and plus
1-none
2-primary
2-primary
3-secondary and plus
59

Country
Variable
Puerto Rico-PREHCO h6c
SAGE

q1028

US-HRS b

V212 (1992)
F1001 (1998)
G1088 (2000) c

US-WLS

edmo57q

Question or scale
0-she did not go to school
1-she went to school but she did not complete eighth grade
2-she went to school and she completed eighth grade or higher
0-no formal education
1-less than primary school
2-primary school completed
3-secondary school completed
4-high school (or equivalent) completed
5-college/pre-university/university completed
6-post graduate degree completed
0-no formal education
1-8-grades
9-11-grades
12-high school
13-15-some college
16-college grad
17-post college (17+ years)
7-did not attend high school
10-attended high school
12-graduated from high school
13-attended trade or business school
14-attended college
16-graudated from college
18-has masters or PhD

mothereduc
1-no school
2-primary
3-secondary
1-no school
2-primary
2-primary
3-secondary
3-secondary
4-secondary+
4-secondary+
1-no school
2-primary
3-secondary
3-secondary
4-secondary+
4-secondary+
4-secondary+
2-primary
3-secondary
3- secondary
3- secondary
4- secondary +
4- secondary +
4- secondary +

Notes: In some surveys (Indonesia, Puerto Rico, MHAS) secondary and secondary plus were combined into one category. In the case of
Indonesia, the small number of cases beyond secondary justified this classification. In the case of Puerto Rico and MHAS the original question was
not specific to identify education greater than a secondary level.
a For Bangladesh, the categories of mother education were based primarily off of variable ed08a which asked, “What was your highest class
attended. However, also used were ed03 (Have you ever attended/are you attending school?), ed06 (If you ever attended school, what was the type
of school last attended?), as well as lh03 (position in household) and paro2m (did mother live in the household).
b US-HRS

combined three waves (1996, 1998, 2000) for mother’s education.

Poor childhood health. The variable poorchealth is based on retrospective questions asked of respondents regarding
their childhood. Table C7 shows how the variable was defined across countries. Refer to the country-specific appendices
for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C7: Original variables, questions, scale and corresponding poor childhood health scale a

Country
Costa Rica-CRELES

Variable
in2

Question
How was your health for the majority of your childhood and
adolescence?

Latin American
cities-SABE

c27

During the majority of the first 15 years of your life, would you
say that your health was excellent, good, or poor?

Mexico-MHAS

Before you were age ten, did you have a serious health
problem that affected your normal activities for a month or
more?
How would you describe your health as a child or adolescent?
Would you say your health as a child or adolescent was
excellent, very good, good, average, or bad?

Puerto Rico-PREHCO h14

US-HRS

E5648 (1996)
F992 (1998)
G1079 (2000) b

Consider your health while you were growing up, from birth to
age 16. Would you say that your health during that time was
excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor?

US-WLS

ixc01rer

How would you rate your health as a child?

Notes:

Scale
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-poor
1-excellent
2-good
3-poor
1-yes
2-no

poorchealth
0-no
0-no
0-no
1-yes
0-no
0-no
1-yes
1- yes
0 -no

1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-average
5-bad
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-fair
5-poor
1 - poor
2 - fair
3 - good
4 - very good
5 - excellent

0-no
0-no
0-no
1-yes
1-yes
0-no
0-no
0-no
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
0-no
0-no
0-no

There were additional questions asked about childhood health in several of the surveys. For example, questions were asked regarding whether or
not the respondent went to bed hungry as a child (China-CLHLS, SABE), had serious health problems as a child (Mexico-MHAS, US-WLS), missed
school due to illness (Puerto Rico, US-WLS), missed common childhood activities due to illness (Puerto Rico, US-WLS), was confined to bed for
periods of time due to illness (US-WLS), had water as a child (China-CLHLS), had adequate medical services as a child (China-CLHLS), wore shoes
a

regularly (Costa Rica), was confined to bed for an illness for extended periods of time (SABE), experienced a serious blow to the head (MexicoMHAS), experienced abuse in the home as a child (US-WLS), had encouragement and protection as a child (US-WLS), had their tonsils and/or
adenoids removed in childhood (US-WLS) and the respondent’s mother lived or worked in the United States (Mexico-MHAS). Questions regarding
specific childhood illnesses that the respondent experienced were also asked in several surveys. This included tuberculosis (Costa Rica, MexicoMHAS, SABE, Puerto Rico), asthma (Costa Rica, SABE, Puerto Rico, US-WLS), rheumatic fever (Costa Rica, Mexico-MHAS, SABE, Puerto Rico),
chronic bronchitis (Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, US-WLS), poliomyelitis (Costa Rica, Mexico-MHAS, Puerto Rico, US-WLS), malaria (Costa Rica,
Puerto Rico), typhoid fever (Mexico-MHAS), nephritis (SABE), hepatitis (SABE, Puerto Rico, US-WLS), measles (SABE, Puerto Rico), typhus fever
(Puerto Rico), dengue fever (Puerto Rico), chicken pox (Puerto Rico), mumps (Puerto Rico), small pox (Puerto Rico), pneumonia (Puerto Rico, USWLS), ear infections (US-WLS), pertussis (US-WLS), diphtheria (US-WLS), meningitis (US-WLS), infection mononucleosis (US-WLS). More
detailed information, including the specific questions and question asked can be found in the country-specific appendices. Additional information
for some countries is only available in their questionnaire (e.g. Netherlands).
The variables for HRS 2000 all begin with the letter “G,” earlier years start with different letters. For example, “E” was used for 1996 and “F” for
1998. Variables from previous years do not appear in the table, though data may have been used to gather responses.
b

Poor childhood socioeconomic status. The variable poorcecon is based on retrospective questions asked of
respondents regarding their childhood. Table C8 shows how the variable was defined across countries. For most
countries, poorcecon was based on variables asking what the respondent’s socioeconomic status was as a child. South
Africa and MHAS were two exceptions. South Africa based poor childhood SES on the father’s level of education (variable
q1032). Mexico-MHAS based poor childhood SES on owning a toilet (variable a7). Refer to the country-specific
appendices for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C8: Original variables, questions, scale and corresponding poor childhood SES scale

Country
Costa Rica-CRELES

Variable
in1

Latin American
cities-SABE

c26

Mexico-MHAS

Question
During the first 15 years of your life, did your family have problems
or economic hardships that did not allow you to eat regularly, dress
adequately or get necessary medical care?
During the majority of the first 15 years of your life, what was the
economic situation of your family? (Read all the options until you
get an affirmative answer.)
Before you were age ten, did your house have a toilet?

Puerto Rico-PREHCO h1

In general, would you say that the economic conditions in the
household in which you grew up were good, average or bad?

US-HRS

Now think about your family when you were growing up, from birth
to age 16. Would you say your family during that time was pretty

E5655 (1996)
F993 (1998)

Scale
1-yes
2-no

poorcecon
1-yes
0-no

1-good
2-average
3-poor
1-yes
2-no
1-good
2-average
3-bad
1-pretty well
off financially

0-no
1-yes
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
1-yes
0-no

G1080 (2000) b

well of financially, about average, or poor?

Notes:

3-about
average
5-poor

0-no
1-yes

There were additional questions asked about childhood SES in several of the surveys. Questions were asked regarding whether or not the
respondent had a toilet in their childhood home (Costa Rica, Mexico-MHAS), lived with their grandparents as a child (Mexico-MHAS, US-HRS),
had electricity in their childhood home (Costa Rica), lived with their biological father as a child (Costa Rica), has a family history of diabetes
(Taiwan, Puerto Rico, US-WLS), has a family history of heart disease (Taiwan), has currently living parents (Mexico-MHAS, SABE, Netherlands,
Puerto Rico), experienced economic hardship that prevented them from eating regularly, adequately clothing themselves, or receiving necessary
medical attention (Puerto Rico), experienced periods of time of father’s unemployment in childhood (Puerto Rico, US-WLS), experienced periods
of time of mother’s unemployment in childhood (Puerto Rico), had to leave school or work to help their parents (Puerto Rico), experienced
financial difficulties that required them to move (US-HRS), and received financial help from relatives (US-HRS). Other questions included where
the respondent slept as a child (Costa Rica), the age of death of the respondent’s mother and father (Mexico-MHAS, SABE, Netherlands,
Bangladesh, Puerto Rico), the age of the respondent’s mother and father, if currently living (Mexico-MHAS), whether or not the respondent’s
father worked or lived in the United States when the respondent was a child (Mexico-MHAS), whether or not the respondent’s mother or father
could read or write (Puerto Rico), whether or not the respondent’s parents divorced in childhood (Puerto Rico), where the respondent lived in
childhood and whether or not that area was rural (US-HRS). More detailed information, including the specific questions and question asked can be
found in the country-specific appendices. Additional information for some countries is only available in their questionnaire.
b The variables for HRS 2000 all begin with the letter “G,” earlier years start with different letters. For example, “E” was used for 1996 and “F” for
1998. Variables from previous years do not appear in the table, though data may have been used to gather responses.

ADULT SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS
Education. Education was defined as level of education completed if available and grouped into four categories using the
UN international standard classification of education (2011): no schooling (0 years), primary-elementary (1-6 years),
secondary or intermediate (7-12 years), and higher (more than 12 years). For most countries, no school was defined as
zero years of formal education. Primary-elementary was defined as completing any level of education through the sixth
grade (fifth grade for Bangladesh). Secondary or intermediate was defined as completing any level of education from
seventh through twelfth grade. Higher was defined as completing anything higher than twelfth grade.
US-WLS, Indonesia and ELSA had different definitions for education than the categories listed above. Table C9 lists the
different definitions of education, and what categories of education they were included into. Refer to the country-specific
appendices for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.

Table C9: Original variables scales with corresponding adult education scale
Country
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CLHLS
China-CHNS
Costa Rica-CRELES
SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
England- ELSA

Variable a
ed03, ed06, ed08a
f1
a11
a2a, a2b
yeduca
a3_3
edu, iscedy_r
c10r1
q1015, q1016, q1017
educ00
G1074A
edqual

Indonesia-IFLS

dl04, dl06, dl07

Scale
no school
1st-6th grade (1st-5th for Bangladesh)
7th-12th grade
>12th grade

education
1-no school
2-elementary-primary
3-secondary or intermediate
4-higher

no qualification
NVQ1/CSE other grade equivalent
NVQ2/GCE other level equivalent
NVQ4/NVQ5 degree or equivalent
higher education below degree
NVQ3/GCE a level equivalent
no school
elementary
kindergarten
Madrasah, general
Islamic elementary school (Madrasah Ibitdaiyah)
adult education a
adult education b

1-no school
2-elementary-primary
3-secondary or intermediate
4-higher

junior high general
junior high vocational
senior high general
senior high vocational
Islamic school (Pesantren)
Islamic junior/high school (Madrasah Tsanawiyah)
Madrasah senior high school

3-secondary or intermediate
3-secondary or intermediate
3-secondary or intermediate
3-secondary or intermediate
3-secondary or intermediate
3-secondary or intermediate
3-secondary or intermediate

college (d1, d2, d3)
university (bachelor)

4-higher
4-higher

4-higher
1-no school
2-elementary-primary
2-elementary-primary
2-elementary-primary
2-elementary-primary
2-elementary-primary
2-elementary-primary

Country

Variable a

US-WLS

gb103red, gb104red,
gb005rec

Notes:
a Variables

Scale
university (master)
university (doctorate)
open university
high school degree
some type of college degree

education
4-higher
4-higher
4-higher
3-secondary or intermediate
4-higher

correspond to countries on the same row.

Household income and wealth. Components used to construct household income (income) and wealth
(wealth_index, wetlth_assets) are listed below. Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the
original variables listed in the table.
Table C10: Components of Household Income and Wealth

Country
Bangladesh-MHSS

China-CHNS

Components of HH Income
Agricultural Income
Yearly income from Livestock
Yearly other farm income
Assets of the farm business sold during the last year
Assets of the non farm business sold, rented or
revenue during the last year
Agricultural employment,
Non agricultural employment, transfers received
Per Capita HH income 2000

China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES

Yearly per capita HH income
HH head income and spouse income
(h20, h24)

England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS

Yearly per capita total benefit unit income
Total labor income

SABE a

pension
familia en otro pais
familia en el pais

Components of Wealth
water source, location of toilet, electricity inside of home,
ornaments, savings in bank, radio, clock, furniture

color TV, washing machine, refrigerator, telephone, cooking
fuel, toilet location, water source
condition of the house, room for cooking, cooking fuel,
potable water inside, toilet inside house, television,
telephone, washing machine, car
Water, toilet, food in refrigerator, cooking, television (kr13,
kr20, kr23, kr24, kr24a)
Kitchen, gas or electricity, pipe water, toilet inside the house,
refrigerator, television, telephone, washing machine, vehicle

Country

Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO

Components of HH Income
alguiler de propiedades o cuartos, bancos
subsidio de bienestar familiar
otro ingreso
yearly per capita income

SAGE

yearly gross per capita imputed household income
Su trabajo
seguro social
jubilacion o pension
family in us income
family in puerto rico income
alguiler de propiedades o cuartos
subsidio de bienestar familiar
programa de asistencia
otro ingreso
Total HH income

Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

yearly gross per capita imputed household income
yearly per capita household income

Notes:
a

Components of Wealth

gas or electricity, piped water, toilet inside the house,
refrigerator, television, telephone, washing machine
Piped water, toilet inside the house, air conditioner,
electricity/gas for cooking, telephone, washing machine,
dryer, hot water heater,

Piped water, toilet inside house, refrigerator, electricity/gas
for cooking, telephone, washing machine, cooking stove,
television
Based on SESladder

Several variables were used to compute income from the SABE surveys. These can be found in section H of the questionnaire.

ADULT RISK FACTORS AND LIFESTYLE
Smoking. Variables used to construct the variable smoke (1=yes, 0=no) are based on country-specific questions
regarding tobacco smoking in whatever form. In some cases different tobacco products were used. In some cases the
question was general and did not specifically indicate the type of smoking. Table C11 lists what smoking methods were
included in defining smoking variables by country. “General smoke question” indicates no specified smoking method
mentioned. Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C11: Original variables and questions used to construct adult smoking
Country
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS

Variables
spn01b, spn02b, spn01c, spn02c, spn01d, spn02d
u25, u27
d71, d72
ev8, ev10
smkevr, hesmk, heska, heskaW2
km01a, km02, km04

Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS a
US-WLS

c24

Which tobacco products used
hookah, biri, cigarettes/cigars
cigarettes (including hand-rolled or device-rolled)
general smoke question
cigarettes
cigarettes
chewing tobacco, smoking self-rolled cigarettes, or
smoking cigarettes/cigars
general smoke question

c54, c55
br001_, br002_
g161, g162
q3001, q3002
smk
V298, V501, W452, D942, E942, F1266, G1400
ixt01rer, ix012rer, ixt07rer

cigarettes
cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos or a pipe
cigarettes
cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco or snuff
cigarettes
cigarettes
cigarettes

Notes:
a

The smoke variable for HRS was obtained by reviewing the original wave in which the question was asked.

Actual question text for original variable and (variable name):
Bangladesh: Have you had the habit of smoking a hookah? (spn01b), Do you still have the habit of smoking hookah? (spn02b),
Have you had the habit of smoking biri? (spn01c), Do you still have the habit of smoking biri? (spn02c), Have you had the habit of
smoking cigarettes/cigars? (spn01d), Do you still have the habit of smoking cigarettes? (spn02d).

China-CHNS: Have you ever smoked cigarettes (including hand-rolled or device-rolled)? (u25), Do you still smoke cigarettes now?
(u27).
China-CLHLS: Do you smoke at the present time? (d71), Did you smoke in the past? (d72).
Costa Rica-CRELES: Have you smoked more than 100 cigarettes or cigars in your life? (ev8), Do you smoke now? (ev10).
England-ELSA: Have you ever smoke cigarettes, pipe, or cigar? (smkevr), Have you ever smoked cigarettes? (hesmk), [Do
you/Does name] smoke cigarettes at all nowadays? (heska, heskaW2).
Indonesia-IFLS: Have you had the habit of chewing tobacco, smoking self-rolled cigarettes, or smoking cigarettes/cigars? (km01a),
Interviewer’s Note: Is km01d or km01e=1 (km02),Do you still have the habit or have you totally quit? (km04).
SABE: You… smoke at the present time? smoked before, but do not now? have never smoked? (c24).
Mexico-MHAS: Have you ever smoked cigarettes? Include more than 100 cigarettes or five packs in your lifetime. Do not include
pipes or cigars. (c54), Do you smoke cigarettes now? (c55).
Netherlands-SHARE: The following questions are about smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. Have you ever smoked
cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos or a pipe daily for a period of at least one year? (br001_), Do you smoke at the present time? (br002_).
Puerto Rico-PREHCO: Have you smoked one hundred cigarettes or more in your life? (g161), Do you currently smoke? (g162).
SAGE: Have you ever smoked tobacco or used smokeless tobacco? (q3001), Do you currently use (smoke, sniff or chew) any tobacco
products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco or snuff? (q3002).
Taiwan-SEBAS: Past 6 months, did you smoke? (smk).
US-HRS: Do you smoke cigarettes now? (G1400).
US-WLS: Have you ever smoked a pipe or cigars, or used snuff or chewing tobacco regularly in your entire life? (ixt01rer), Up until
you were 16 years old, did anyone in your household, other than yourself, smoke? (ixt012rer), How often do you smoke now?
(ixt07rer).

Drinking. The questions for variables used to construct drink (1=yes, 0=no) varied in how they asked about alcohol
consumption. Table C12 lists the original variables and corresponding questions asked from country-specific surveys that
were used to define drinking. Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the original variables
listed in the table.
Table C12: Original variables and questions used to construct adult drinking
Country
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS

Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA

Variable
u40
d81
d82
ev1
scako

Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE

c23

Puerto Rico-PREHCO

g155

SAGE

q3007
q3008
alc
G1415
ixab01re

Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

c60
br010_

Question
During the past year, have you drunk beer or any other alcohol beverage?
Do you drink alcohol at the present time?
Did you drink alcohol in the past?
Have you ever drank alcoholic drinks on a regular basis?
Thinking now about all kinds of drink, how often have you had an alcoholic drink of any kind
in the last 12 months?
In the last three months, on average, how many days per week have you had any alcohol to
drink (for example, beer, wine, or another drink containing alcohol)?
Do you ever drink any alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, liquor, or pulque?
I am now going to ask you a few questions about what you drink-that is if you drink. Please
look at card 11. During the last six months, how often have you drunk any alcoholic beverages,
like beer, cider, wine, spirits or cocktails?
In the last 3 months, on average, how many days a week have you consumed alcoholic
beverages (like for example beer, wine, rum or another drink that has alcohol)?
Have you ever consumed a drink that contains alcohol (such as beer, wine, spirits, etc.)?
Have you consumed alcohol in the last 30 days?
Past 6 months, did you drink alcohol?
Do you ever drink any alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, or liquor?
Do you ever drink alcoholic beverages?

Exercise. The questions for variables used to construct exercise (1=yes, 0=no) varied in how they asked about exercise.
Table C13 lists the original variables and corresponding questions asked from country-specific surveys that were used to
define exercise. Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C13: Original variables and questions used to construct adult exercise
Country
China-CHNS

Variable
u142

China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES

d91
d92
ev14

England-ELSA

heacta

Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS

c25a

Netherlands-SHARE

br015_

Puerto Rico-PREHCO

g167

SAGE

q3016

c53

q3025
Taiwan-SEBAS

US-HRS

G1395

US-WLS

ixe02rer

Question
Do you spend time on heavy or very heavy physical activities during the work day in a week (e.g.
farmer, athlete, dancer, steel worker, lumber worker, mason, etc.)?
Do you do exercises regularly at present?
Did you do exercises regularly in the past?
In the last 12 months, did you exercise regularly or do other physically rigorous activities like
sports, jogging, dancing, or heavy work, three times a week?
[Show card S.] We would like to know the type and amount of physical activity involved in your
daily life. Do you take part in sports or activities that are vigorous…[Interviewer: Read out…]
In the past twelve months, have you exercised regularly or participated in vigorous physical
activity such as playing a sport, dancing or heavy housework, 3 or more times a week?
On average during the last two years, have you exercised or done hard physical work three or
more times a week? Includes various activities such as sports, heavy household chores, or other
physical work.
We would like to know about the type and amount of physical activity you do in your daily life.
How often do you engage in vigorous physical activity, such as sports, heavy housework, or a job
that involves physical labour? Interviewer: read out.
In the last year, have you engaged in any of the following activities: sports, jogging, walking,
dancing or heavy labor, three or more times a week?
Does your work involve vigorous-intensity activity that causes large increases in breathing or
heart rate, [like heavy lifting, digging or chopping wood] for at least 10 minutes continuously?
Do you do any vigorous intensity sports, fitness or recreational (leisure) activities that cause
large increase in breathing or heart rate [like running or football], for at least 10 minutes
continuously?
Do you usually exercise? [If yes, continue.] On average, how many times do you exercise each
week?
On average over the last 12 months have you participated in vigorous physical activity or
exercise three times a week or more? By vigorous physical activity, we mean things like sports,
heavy housework, or a job that involves physical labor.
How many hours per month do you participate in vigorous physical activities, either alone or
with others?
70

Health use. Use of preventive health services was measured in most cases by a question which asked if the respondent
had seen a medical professional within the last year. Table C14 below describes the questions used to define healthuse
(1=yes, 0=no). Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C14: Original variables and questions used to construct adult utilization of health services in the
last year
Country

Question

Scale

Bangladesh-MHSS

Within last one year have you ever been to the:
district hospital/visited by the district hospital?
thana health complex/visited by the thana health complex?
ICDDRB hospital/visited by the ICDDRB hospital?
ICDDRB sub center/visited by the ICDDRB sub center?
health worker/visited by the health worker?
ICDDRB health worker/visited by the ICDDRB health worker?
private clinic/visited by the private clinic?
doctors (MBBS)/visited by the doctors (MBBS)?
village doctor/visited by the village doctor?
midwife/tba/visited by the midwife/tba?
traditional practitioner (Kabiraj, Fakir, Hakimi, Village Doctor,
etc.)/visited by the traditional practitioner (Kabiraj, Fakir,
Hakimi, Village Doctor, etc.)?
satellite clinic/visited by the satellite clinic?
pharmacy/visited by the pharmacy?
FWC/visited by the FWC?
FWA/visited by the FWA?
other, specify/visited by other, specify?
Within the last month, did you receive any preventive health
service (for example, a health examination, eye examination,
well-child examination, blood test, blood pressure screening,
tumor screening, etc.)? If “no” or “unknown,” stop here, and go
to the next person. If “yes,” continue with the next question.
Can you get adequate medical service when you are seriously
ill?
When was the most recent doctor’s appointment?

1-yes
3-no

China-CHNS

China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES

Health Use
(1=yes, 0=no)
1-yes
0-no

0-no
1-yes
9-unknown

1-yes
0-no

1-yes
2-no
1-less than one month

1-yes
0-no
1-yes
71

Country

Question

England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS

n.a.
Have you had a general check up performed in the last 5 years?

SABE (not including
Cuba)

During the last 12 months, where did you usually go when you
felt sick or when you needed to consult someone about your
health? Circle all the answers that the respondent
spontaneously mentions.

SABE(Cuba) a

(see note a)

Scale
2-from one to three months
3-from four to six months
4-from seven to eleven
months
5-from one year to less than
two years
6-from two to four years
7-five or more years
1-yes
3-no
01-I did not go, although I
needed it
02-I have not gotten sick, I
have not needed a
consultation/appointment
03-private physician’s office
04-private clinic
05-public clinic
07-emergency room in a
private health care
institution
08-private hospital
09-public hospital
10-emergency room in
public hospital
12-pharmacy
13-faith healer
1-no fue
2- no se ha enfermado
3- medico de familia
4- policlínico
5- hospital
6- sala emergencia hospital
9- consulta privada

Health Use
(1=yes, 0=no)
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
0-no
0-no
1-yes
0-no
0-no
0-no
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
72

Country

Question

Scale

Mexico-MHAS

In the last year, about how many times have you visited or
consulted a doctor or medical personnel?

66- otro
(number of times)
000-none

Netherlands-SHARE

Now we have some questions about your health care. Please
think about your care during the last twelve months. Since
[January/February/March/April/May/June/July/August/
September/October/November/December] [{last year}], about
how many times in total have you seen or talked to a medical
doctor about your health? Please exclude dentist visits and
hospital stays, but include emergency room or outpatient clinic
visits. (IWER: If more than 98, enter 98.)
Puerto Rico-PREHCO How many times have you gone to the doctor’s office in the last
twelve months?
SAGE
Over the last 12 months, did you receive any health care NOT
including an overnight stay in hospital or long-term care
facility?
Taiwan-SEBAS
In the past year, have you had a health examination or physical
examination?
US-HRS
Aside from any hospital stays, how many times have you seen
or talked to a medical doctor about your health, including
emergency room or clinic visits (since Q218-PR219 previous
wave IW month/Q219-PR219 previous wave IW year/in the
last two years)?
US-WLS
In the past 12 months, have you seen a doctor or health
professional in an office, clinic, or health center, not including
visits to mental health professionals?

(number from 0-98)

(number of times)
1-yes
2-no

Health Use
(1=yes, 0=no)
1-yes
1-yes (if>0
&<=888)
0-no (if=0)
1-yes (if>0
&,98)
0-no (if=0)

1-yes (if >0)
0-no (if=0)
1-yes
2-no

1-yes
0-no
(number of times)
0-zero

1-yes
0-no
1-yes (if >0,
<888)
0-no (if=0)

1-yes
2-no

1-yes
0-no

Notes:
a Cuba

used several variables to indicate health access over the last 12 months (f031-f0399).

HEALTH OUTCOMES
Self-reported health. Country-specific self-reported health questions were used to construct a variable for poor health
(poorhealth). The questions were also used to construct a composite measure of good health (goodhealth,
goodhealth1 and goodhealth2). Table C15 describes the questions used in each country for self-reported health and
then identifies how poorhealth was defined and how self-reported health was used as part of the composite measure of
good health. The composite measure of goodhealth was based on categories of BMI, functionality (bath, dress, transfer
and toilet) and self-reported health. Goodhealth1 was based on the same categories as goodhealth with the addition of
chronic conditions (heart disease and diabetes). Goodhealth2 was only based on categories of BMI and functionality.
The main text of this technical report describes in more detail the development of the good health measure. Refer to the
country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C15: Original variables and questions used to construct poor self-reported health
Country

Variable a

Question

Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Netherlands-SHARE
Mexico-MHAS
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SABE
US-HRS
US-WLS
Bangladesh-MHSS

c1
hehelf
srhealtha
c1
g1
co1
G1226

In general, would you say your
health is excellent, very good, good,
fair, or poor?

gh01

What is your current health status?

China-CHNS

u48a

Right now, how would you describe
your health compared to that of
other people of your age?

China-CLHLS

b12

How do you rate your health at
present?

Self-reported health Poor
health
1-excellent
0-no
2-very good
0-no
3-good
0-no
4-fair
1-yes
5-poor
1-yes

Good
health
3-all else
3-all else
3-all else
1-fair/poor
1-fair/poor

1-healthy
2-fairly healthy
3-unhealthy, sick
1-excellent
2-good
3-fair
4-poor

0-no
0-no
1-yes
0-no
0-no
1-yes
1-yes

3-all else
3-all else
1-fair/poor
3-all else
3-all else
1-fair/poor
1-fair/poor

1-very good
2-good
3-so-so
4-bad

0-no
0-no
0-no
1-yes

3-all else
3-all else
3-all else
1-fair/poor

gx201re,ix001re

Country

Variable a

Question

Self-reported health Poor
health
5-very bad
1-yes

Good
health
1-fair/poor

Indonesia-IFLS

kk01

In general, how is your health?

SAGE

q2000

In general, how would you rate your
health today?

0-no
0-no
1-yes
1-yes
0-no
0-no
0-no
1-yes
1-yes

3-all else
3-all else
1-fair/poor
1-fair/poor
3-all else
3-all else
3-all else
1-fair/poor
1-fair/poor

Taiwan-SEBAS

Regarding your current state of
health, do you feel it is excellent,
good, average, not so good, or poor?

1-very healthy
2-somewhat healthy
3-somewhat unhealthy
4-unhealthy
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don't know
1-excellent
2-good
3-average
4-not so good
5-poor

0-no
0-no
0-no
1-yes
1-yes

3-all else
3-all else
3-all else
1-fair/poor
1-fair/poor

Notes:
a

Variables correspond to countries on the same row.

Chronic conditions. For most countries, variables defining chronic conditions were based on questions referring to a
medical professional’s diagnosis. Bangladesh and England are two exceptions. Bangladesh did not ask if a medical
professional’s diagnosis was given. England asks about a medical professional’s diagnosis, but also sets chronic conditions
variables to system missing if the respondent disputed having the chronic condition. The questions for Bangladesh and
England chronic conditions are listed below in Table C16. The table also provides information regarding the constructed
variable Nchronic which is a country-specific variable which indicates the number of chronic conditions reported by the
respondent. Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the original variables listed in the table.
Table C16: Original variables and questions used to construct adult chronic conditions

Country
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS

Question b
Have you ever suffered from […] during the past 1 year?
Has the doctor ever told you that you suffer from […]?
Are you suffering from […]? Diagnosed by hospital?

Nchronic
pulmonary, diabetes, arthritis
arthritis, cancer, pulmonary, heart disease,
75

Country

Question b

Costa Rica-CRELES

Has a physician ever told you that you have […]

England-ELSA

Has a doctor ever told you that you have (or have had) any of
the conditions on this card?
Code reason why respondent disputes having had chronic
condition.
Did a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever diagnose you
with […]?
Has a doctor or nurse ever told you that you have […]

Indonesia-IFLS a
Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS

Puerto Rico-PREHCO

Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you that you
have […]
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that you had
any of the conditions on this card? Please tell me the number
or numbers of the conditions.
Has a doctor every told you that you have […]

SAGE

Have you ever been diagnosed with […]

Taiwan-SEBAS

Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness? […]

US-HRS

(If new interview respondent:) Has a doctor ever told you
that you have […]?
(If reinterview respondent:) Previous wave (yes/no).
(If respondent reported in last interview that had […]:) Our
records (from your last interview in respondent’s last
interview month, year) show that you have had […].
(If reinterview respondent and respondent did not report in
last interview that had […]:) Since we talked last in
respondent’s last interview month, year, has a doctor told
you that you have […]?
Has a doctor ever told you that you have […]?

Netherlands-SHARE

US-WLS
Notes:

Nchronic
diabetes, stroke
arthritis, cancer, pulmonary, heart disease,
diabetes, stroke
arthritis, cancer , pulmonary, heart disease,
diabetes, stroke

arthritis, cancer, pulmonary, heart disease,
diabetes, stroke
arthritis, cancer, pulmonary, heart disease,
diabetes, stroke
arthritis, cancer, pulmonary, heart disease,
diabetes, stroke
arthritis, cancer, pulmonary, heart disease,
diabetes, stroke
arthritis, hypertension, pulmonary, heart
disease, diabetes, stroke
arthritis, cancer, pulmonary, heart disease,
diabetes, stroke
arthritis, cancer, pulmonary, heart disease,
diabetes, stroke

arthritis, cancer, pulmonary, heart disease,
diabetes, stroke

For Indonesia the baseline survey year used in the cross national data was 2000 but that the 4th wave of data collection (2007) was used to
obtained information on chronic conditions
a

All of these chronic conditions variables are self-reported health questions (“has a doctor ever diagnosed you with…?”). In some cases, there are
biomarkers to better define these conditions.

Shown in the table is the degree to which surveys asked questions about six major chronic conditions: arthritis, cancer, pulmonary disease, heart
disease, diabetes or stroke. In addition to these six major conditions, some surveys asked the respondent about the following chronic conditions:
tuberculosis (China-CLHLS, Mexico-MHAS, Bangladesh), asthma (England, Mexico-MHAS, Netherlands, US-WLS, Bangladesh, SAGE),
hypertension (Costa Rica, Indonesia, England, Taiwan, China-CHNS, China-CLHLS, US-HRS, SABE, Mexico-MHAS, Netherlands, SAGE, Puerto
Rico, US-WLS), osteoporosis (Costa Rica, England, SABE, Netherlands, US-WLS), anemia (Indonesia, Bangladesh), Parkinson’s disease
(England), psychiatric issues (England, SAGE), Alzheimer’s disease (England), ulcer (Taiwan, Netherlands, Bangladesh, US-WLS), liver or gall
bladder disease (Taiwan), cataracts (Taiwan, Netherlands, Bangladesh), kidney disease (Taiwan, US-WLS), gout (Taiwan), apoplexy (ChinaCHNS), high blood cholesterol (Netherlands, US-WLS), paralysis (Bangladesh), edema (Bangladesh), penile discharge (Bangladesh), vaginal ulcers
(Bangladesh), brain hemorrhage (Puerto Rico), bilarciosis (Puerto Rico), fibromyalgia (US-WLS), irritable bowel syndrome (US-WLS), multiple
sclerosis (US-WLS), prostate problems (US-WLS), other lung conditions/breathing difficulty (Indonesia, Bangladesh), and other (Taiwan,
Netherlands, Bangladesh).
In addition to self-reported chronic condition questions, some surveys took biomarker data from respondents (see the country-specific appendices
for more information). This included: blood pressure (China-CHNS, China-CLHLS, Costa Rica, England, Indonesia, Taiwan, SAGE), spirometry
(Costa Rica), lung function (England, SAGE), pulse (Indonesia, Taiwan, SAGE), glucose (Costa Rica, Taiwan), and glycosylated hemoglobin (Costa
Rica, Taiwan). Taiwan has additional biomarker data, including blood, urine, and saliva samples that are not listed in the country-specific
appendix but can be found in the country-specific questionnaire. US-WLS collected saliva from respondents which will be used for DNA analyses.
This information is only available via the WLS secure server.

NadlGT0harm. A harmonized measure of adult functionality called NadlGT0harm is defined from questions based on
the Katz and Akpom (1976) activities of daily living (ADLs) and included the following ADLs: bath, toilet, dress and
transfer. Not all of these ADLs were asked in each country (see Tables A18-A20) and thus a harmonized version was
constructed using the Nagi items (1976) to estimate the missing ADL items. A more complete description of how the
harmonized measure was developed is described in the main text of this report. Table C17 describes the general question
and scale for ADLs asked and identifies how the harmonized variable was defined including the instances where the Nagi
items were used to estimate a particular ADL. Refer to the country-specific appendices for more detail regarding the
original variables listed in the table.
Table C17: Original variables and questions used to construct harmonized adult functionality

Country

Question

Scale

Bangladesh-MHSS

If you have to […] without

1-easily

NadlGT0harm Variables used to harmonize
functionality (exceptions)
0-no
77

Country

Question

Scale

help could you do it?

2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all

NadlGT0harm Variables used to harmonize
functionality (exceptions)
1-yes
1-yes
0-no
Nagi items standing up after sitting for a
1-yes
long time (u162) was used to define
transfer.
1-yes
1-yes

1-yes, independently
2-yes, needs some help
3-no, can’t
1-yes
2-no
1-yes
2-no

0-no
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no

1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it

0-no
1-yes
1-yes

1-yes
2-no
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
1-yes
0-no

1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no

1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
1-none
2-mild

1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
0-no
0-no

China-CHNS

Do you have any difficulty
[…]?

China-CLHLS

Can you […]?

Costa Rica-CRELES

Is it difficult for you to
[…]?
Because of a health or
memory problem, do you
have difficulty […]?
If you had to […] could you
do it?

England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS

Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS

Do you have difficulty with
[…]?
Because of health
problems, do you have
difficulty […]?

Netherlands-SHARE

Because of a health or
memory problem, do you
have difficulty […]?
Have you had difficulty […]
due to a health problem?

Puerto Rico-PREHCO

SAGE

In the last 30 days, how
much difficulty did you

Nagi ability to lift arms above shoulders
(d5) was used to define dress.

Nagi items kk03g (stand up from sitting
in chair without help) and kk03f
(dressing) were used to define toilet.
Nagi kk03g was used to define transfer.

Country

Question

Scale

have […]?

3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do

Taiwan-SEBAS

Please tell me if you have
any difficulty doing these
activities […] by yourself?

US-HRS

Because of a health or
memory problem do you
have difficulty with […]?

US-WLS a

NadlGT0harm Variables used to harmonize
functionality (exceptions)
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no

Notes:

a US-WLS

did not have individual questions for ADLs based on the Katz scale, but does have items for the Nagi scale.

Note that most countries also conducted performance tests which can be used to validate functionality and/or disability. The results of the
following performance tests are available in the country-specific data files and are further described in the country-specific appendices: semitandem (Bangladesh), full tandem (Bangladesh), side-by-side stand (Bangladesh, England), chair stand (Bangladesh, China-CLHLS, Indonesia),
repeated chair stands (Bangladesh, Costa Rica, SABE), measured walk (Bangladesh, England, Netherlands, SAGE), abnormalities of gait and
posture (Bangladesh), bending over/picking something up from floor (Bangladesh, China-CLHLS, Costa Rica), foot tapping (Bangladesh),
shoulder external rotation (Bangladesh), put hand behind neck (China-CLHLS), put hand behind lower back (China-CLHLS), raise arms upright
(China-CLHLS, Costa Rica), turn around 360 degrees (China-CLHLS), hand strength test (Costa Rica, SABE, Netherlands, SAGE), any impairment
(Costa Rica), standing (Costa Rica, SABE, Mexico-MHAS, Puerto Rico), standing from sitting and then walking (Costa Rica, Puerto Rico), leg raise
(England), squatting (SABE). Variables for performance measures are saved in the country-specific data files and the country-specific appendix.
Some of the performance measures available were not saved due to space constraints, but can be found in the country-specific appendices.

Tables C18-C20 describe the different components of ADLs, IADLs and Nagi functional items across surveys. Bolded ADL
items were used in the harmonization of ADLs described above and in the main text of this report. In some cases Nagi
items were used to estimate ADLs. Bolded items in IADLs (shopping, meals) and Nagi items (heavy, push) appear as
variables within the cross national data set.
Table C18: Comparison of functionality using ADLs (Katz)

Dimensions/Original Variables
bath
dress
toilet
gh09J
gh09L
gh09K
u167
u171
u173
e1
e2
e3
d8
d16
headb01-headb13
headb01healthb13
Indonesia-IFLS
kk03h
kk03f
Latin American cities-SABE d14a
d13a
d17a
Mexico-MHAS
h16_1
h13
h19_1
Netherlands-SHARE
ph049d3
ph049d1 ph049d6
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
i14
i10
i11
SAGE
q2037
q2038
q2044
Taiwan-SEBAS
b7_1
b7_2
b7_6
US-HRS
US-WLS
Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA

transfer
gh09M

eating

d16a
h18_1
ph049d5
i13
q2043
b7_4

d15a
h17_1
ph049d4

continence

u169
e4
e6
e5
d13
d11
headb01-headb13 headb01-headb13

Table C19: Comparison of functionality using IADLs (Lawton, Brody)
Dimensions/Original Variables
Countries
shopping
meals
transport managing
money
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
u174
u175
u176
u177
China-CLHLS
e8
e9
e14
Costa Rica-CRELES
d25
d21
d23
England-ELSA
headb01headb01heada01headb13
headb13
heada13
Indonesia-IFLS

q2042
b7_3

telephone
u178

join community
activities

washing
clothing

e10

headb01headb13

Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

d21a

d18a

h27_1
ph049d9
i3

h26_1
ph049d8
i4

Countries

taking care of household
responsibilities

Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

b6_1

d20a

d19a

d22a

h29_1
ph049d13

ph049d10

q2045

getting out
of home

q2033

day-today

medication

d27
headb01headb13

reading
map

light
housework

headb01headb13

d25a
h28_1
ph049d11
q2032

q2046

d23a
ph049d7

heavy tasks
of the home

d24a

ph049d12

q2039

Table C20: Comparison for functionality using Nagi items
Dimensions/Original Variables
Countries
walking long
heavy
draw
distance
water

ixch01re

standing up

use
ladder

sit with bent
knees

bow
81

Bangladesh-MHSS

gh09A

gh09B

China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA

u158
e11

u165
e12

gh09D,
gh09G
u162
e13

Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

kk03c, kk03j

headb01headb13
kk03a
d09

headb01headb13
kk03i, kk03g
d03

heada01heada10,
kk03e
d06

h5
ph048d3

h8
ph048d6

q2027

q2030
b5_3

Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American citiesSABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

gh09C

kk03d

ph048d9

q2036

b5_6

gh09E

gh09F

u166

ixch04re
Dimensions/Original Variables
sweeping running walking short
distance
gh09I
u157
u159

kk03b

gh09H

ixch08re
cross the
room

sitting long
periods

going up one
flight

going up
stairs

u160

u161

u163

u164

d2
heada01-heada10

d6
headb01headb13

headb01headb10

heada01heada10

d3
heada01heada10

d01a

d01c

d11

d02

d05

d04

h3
ph048d1

h15_1
ph049d2

h4
ph048d2

h7
ph048d5

h6
ph048d4

q2026
b5_8

q2041
b7_5

q2025

q2029

b5_7

ixch07re

b5_9
ixch02re
82

Countries
Bangladesh-MHSS
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA

Dimensions/Original Variables
carrying
appearance standing
things
gh09B
u165
u172
heada01heada10

Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American
cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
h11
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE
q2040
Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

ixch03re

d19

q2028
b5_1,
b5_2
ixch06re

concentrating push

pick coin off
table

extending
arms

heada01heada10

d4
headb01headb10

d10

d07

d08

h12
ph04810

h9
ph048d7

h10
ph048d8

q2031
b5_5

q2034
b5_4
ixch09re

cross the
street

d01b

q2035

ixch05re

Appendix D: Overview of country-specific data files
Listed below is the location within country-specific questionnaires for variables used in
the cross national data and country-specific data files according to broad dimensions:

Countries
Bangladesh

China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa RicaCRELES
EnglandELSA

IndonesiaIFLS
Latin
American
cities-SABE
MexicoMHAS
NetherlandsSHARE

Original data source from survey questionnaires
Demographics
Early Life
Book I: Section LH; Book II:
Sections AE, AI, FB, HRT, LI,
NAE, NFB & OFI; Book III:
Sections MG, ED & CH
2000 Household Survey:
Cover Screen; Tables 1, 2 & 6;
Introduction
2000 Questionnaire: Release
Version 1, Sections F & A
Round 1: Identity Section;
Sections A, SP & H;
Introduction
Wave 2: Modules Individual
Demographics, Final
Questions & Household
Demographics; End of
Dataset; Financial Variables;
Wave 0; Wave 1
Book IIIA: Sections MG, DL,
SW & BR; Book US I: Section
US; Ptrack data file
Sections A, C, H & G
Basic Questionnaire: Sections
A, F & K
2004 Questionnaire, Version
10: Cover screen; Modules
DN & CH; Generated
Variables

Adult Lifestyle

Adult Health
Outcomes
Book III: Sections GH &
CM

Book I: Section HC; Book II:
Section HA; Book III: Sections
PAR, EMP & MG; Book VI:
Section CA
2000 Household Survey:
Tables 2, 18 & 20; Physical
Examination: Section I
2000 Questionnaire: Sections
D, F & G
Round 1: Sections A, IN, J, K
&L

Book III: Section
SPN

Wave 2: Modules Individual
Demographics, Standing
Height, Weight, Waist and
Hip, Blood Pressure,
Balancing, Leg Raise & Paper
Self-Completion
Questionnaire; Lung Function
Admin
Book II: Section KR; Book
IIIB: Sections BA; Book US II:
Section US
Sections C, J, K & L

Wave 2: Modules
Health Module &
Paper SelfCompletion
Questionnaire; Wave
1; Wave 0

Wave 2: Health Module;
Wave 3: Health SelfCompletion
Questionnaire: In
Confidence

Book IIIB: Section
KM

Book IIIB: Section KK;
Book US II: Section US,
Ptrack data file
Sections C & D

Basic Questionnaire: Sections
A, F, C, J & L
2004 Questionnaire, Version
10: Module PH

Basic Questionnaire:
Section C
2004 Questionnaire,
Version 10: Module
BR

2000 Questionnaire:
Sections VI & XI
2000 Questionnaire:
Section D
Round 1: Section EV

Section C

2000 Questionnaire:
Sections V & III; Physical
Examination: Section XII
2000 Questionnaire:
Sections B, D, G, H & E
Round 1: Sections C & D

Basic Questionnaire:
Sections C, SA & H
2004 Questionnaire,
Version 10: Modules
sharew1_gv_dol, PH &
XT; Generated Variables;
Self Administered
Questionnaire A
85

Puerto RicoPREHCO
SAGE

TaiwanSEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

Wave 1, 2002 Questionnaire:
Sections A, C, D, E, L, N & R,
Section of Identification and
Type of Interview
Household Questionnaire:
Sections 0100, 0400 & 0700;
Individual Questionnaire:
Section 1000
First Interview
Questionnaire: Sections A &
D

Wave 1, 2002 Questionnaire:
Sections A, H, O, P & U

Wave 1, 2002
Questionnaire:
Section G

Individual Questionnaire:
Sections 1000 & 2500;
Household Questionnaire:
Section 0500
First Interview Questionnaire:
Physical Examination

Individual
Questionnaire:
Section 3000

2000 Questionnaire: Section
A, Tracker file, Respondent &
Household cover screen
Mail: Social Background;
Phone: Status and Descriptive
Variables, Summary
Variables, Education,
Household, Marriage Roster,
Children, Siblings, Other
Income

2000 Questionnaire: Sections
A&B

First Interview
Questionnaire:
Health Behaviors,
Section B
2000 Questionnaire:
Section B

1957-Parents; Mail: Social
Background, Health and
Health Behaviors, Social
Relationships

Mail: Health and
Health Behaviors,
Social and Civic
Participation

Wave 1, 2002
Questionnaire: Sections G
& I; Wave 2, 2006
Questionnaire: Section G
Individual Questionnaire:
Sections 2000, 4000 &
7000
First Interview
Questionnaire: Section B
2000 Questionnaire:
Sections B & E; Tracker
file
Mail: Health and Health
Behaviors, World Health
Survey Vignettes; Phone:
Health

Below is a listing of the selected country-specific surveys with the survey year used as baseline in cross national data.
Countries
Bangladesh
China-CHNS
China-CLHLS
Costa Rica-CRELES
England-ELSA
Indonesia-IFLS
Latin American cities-SABE
Mexico-MHAS
Netherlands-SHARE
Puerto Rico-PREHCO
SAGE

Survey name
Matlab Health and Aging Study (MHAS)
China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS)
Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS)
Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES)
English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA)
The Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS)
Survey on Health, Well-Being, and Aging in Latin America and the Caribbean (SABE)
Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS)
The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)
The Puerto Rican Elderly: Health Conditions (PREHCO)
Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE)

Survey year
1996
2000
2002
2003
2004-2005
2000
2000
2001
2004-2005
2002-2003
2007-2008
86

Taiwan-SEBAS
US-HRS
US-WLS

Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study (SEBAS)
Health and Retirement Study (HRS)
Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS)

2000
2000
2004-2005

Appendix E: Bangladesh-MHSS original variables
The tables below describe the original variables from the Bangladesh-MHSS survey that
were used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are
marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that
are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The
variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of
the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the Bangladesh data that
should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table E1. Respondent (see note A)
Variable
case
disphh3
lh03

Wording of Question/Description
Household ID.
Final disposition of the interview.
Relationship with the head of the household.

lh10
person
status

DSS Respondent ID No. Identifier in the DSS system.
Household member line number.
Created by MHAS researchers. Indicator variable. Primary
or Secondary main survey.

treatmnt

Variable that identifies treatment area.

type_hh
wt_ind

Type of household.
Individual sampling weights.

Scale (if applicable)
1-completed
01-78 (see Appendix A
in Bangladesh
questionnaire)
1-primary household
2-secondary
household
anything greater than
2 should be deleted
sampling weights are
only available for
those with status=1
1-4 treatments
5

Table E2. Demographics (see note A)
Panel E2.1 Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable Wording of Question/Description
lh09
Sex.
lh11m
lh11y
lh12m
lh12y
lh15

[]’s date of birth.
[]’s date of birth.
[]’s age.
[]’s age.
[]’s marital status.

lh16

Ordinal number of []’s spouse.

Scale (if applicable)
1-male
3-female
(month)
(year)
(months)
(years)
01-never married
02-currently married
03-separated
04-divorced
05-widow/widower
51-married but living
separately
88

mh01

Interviewer to verify respondent’s current marital status
in householders list (lh15).

Panel E2.2. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)
Variable Wording of Question/Description
ed03
Have you ever attended/are you attending school?
ed06

(If ever attended school) What was the type of school last
attended?

ed07

What was your highest class attended?

ed08a

What was your highest class completed?

52-has died
97-NA
99-missing
01-never married
02-married
03-separated
04-divorced
05-widow/widower
9-missing
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
02-maktab
03-madrasha
04-school/college
05-brac school
99-missing
1-class I
2-class II
3-class III
4-class IV
5-class V
6-class VI
7-class VII
8-class VIII
9-class IX
10-SCC (Secondary
School Certificate)
11-HSC (Higher
Secondary Certificate)
12-Graduate
13-MA
14-doctor MBBs
16-B.Sc. engineer
17-polytechnic
engineer
18-other,specify
99-missing
0-less than class I
1-class I
2-class II
3-class III
4-class IV
5-class V
6-class VI
7-class VII
8-class VIII
9-class IX
10-SCC (Secondary
89

ed08b

Are you attending school now?

emp05

Have you ever worked before?

emp10

What was your primary occupation for most of your life?

emp11a

What was your primary occupation for most of your life?

ha01A

Is there any householder who currently owns homestead
land (with house)?
Is there any householder who currently owns ornaments
(gold, silver)?
Is there any householder who currently owns savings in
bank/prize bond/provident fund?
Is there any householder who currently owns television?

ha01B
ha01C
ha01D
ha01E
ha01F

Is there any householder who currently owns
radio/cassette player?
Is there any householder who currently owns wall
clock/table clock/wrist watch?

ha01G

Is there any householder who currently owns electric fan?

ha01H

Is there any householder who currently owns cycle?

ha01I

Is there any householder who currently owns furniture?

ha01J

Is there any householder who currently owns quilt?

ha01K

Is there any householder who currently owns other assets,
specify?
Does this household utilize electricity?

hc08

School Certificate)
11-HSC (Higher
Secondary Certificate)
12-Graduate
13-MA
14-doctor MBBs
16-B.Sc. engineer
17-polytechnic
engineer
18-other,specify
99-missing
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
01-72 (see Appendix B
of Bangladesh
questionnaire)
99-missing
01-72 (see Appendix B
of Bangladesh
questionnaire)
98-don’t know
99-missing
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
90

hc10

What is the main source of drinking water in this
household?

hc11

Where is the main water source located?

hc16f

Where do the adult women of this household usually go to
have their bowel movements?

hc16m

Where do the adult men of this household usually go to
have their bowel movements?

lh19

What is []’s occupation?

lh20

What is the type of school most recently attended by []?

lh21

What is the highest class completed?

3-no
9-missing
01-tap water
02-tube-well
03-regular well
04-pond
05-canal
06-river
07-rain water
08-other, specify
1-inside the house
2-outside the house
but inside bari
3-outside bari
9-missing
01-sepric tank/modern
latrine
02-slab latrine
03-pit latrine
04-open latrine
05-hang latrine
06-no
latrine/yard/field
07-other, specify
97-n/a
99-missing
01-sepric tank/modern
latrine
02-slab latrine
03-pit latrine
04-open latrine
05-hang latrine
06-no
latrine/yard/field
07-other, specify
97-n/a
99-missing
(see occupation code,
appendix B)
99-missing
01-never attended
school
02-maktab
03-madrasha
04-school/college
05-BRAC school
98-don’t know
99-missing
0-less than class I
1-class I
2-class II
91

lh22

What is the type of school last attended by []’s spouse?

lh23

What is the highest class completed by
[]’s spouse?

lh24

What is []’s spouse’s occupation?

3-class III
4-class IV
5-class V
6-class VI
7-class VII
8-class VIII
9-class IX
10-SCC (Secondary
School Certificate)
11-HSC (Higher
Secondary Certificate)
12-Graduate
13-MA
14-doctor MBBs
16-B.Sc. engineer
17-polytechnic
engineer
18-other,specify
98-don’t know
99-missing
01-never attended
school
02-maktab
03-madrasha
04-school/college
05-BRAC school
97-n/a
99-missing
0-less than class I
1-class I
2-class II
3-class III
4-class IV
5-class V
6-class VI
7-class VII
8-class VIII
9-class IX
10- SCC (Secondary
School Certificate)
11-HSC (Higher
Secondary Certificate)
12-Graduate
13-MA
14-Doctor MBBs
97-n/a
98-don’t know
99-missing
01-72 (see Appendix B
in Bangladesh
questionnaire)
92

Panel E2.3. Family and Household
Variable
ch01a
sib01a
sib01b
sib01c
sib01d
sib02

Wording of Question/Description
What is the total number of children still alive?
What is the total number of siblings still alive?
What is the number of siblings who stay with you in this
household?
What is the number of siblings who do not live in this
household and are still alive?
What is the number of siblings who died during the past
12 months and were non-householders at the time of their
deaths?
Number of non-householder siblings alive now or died in
last 12 months (if number of siblings is zero then go to
next section).

97-n/a
98-don’t know
99-missing
Scale (if applicable)
(number)
(number)
(number)
(number)
(number)
(number)

Table E3. Early Life Conditions
Panel E3.1. Birthplace
Variable
lh11m
lh11y
mg01

Wording of Question/Description
[]’s date of birth.
[]’s date of birth.
What is the [..] name of your birthplace?

mg02

Is the place a:

mg03a

Where did you live when you were 12 years old?

mg04

Is the place a…

Scale (if applicable)
(month)
(year)
01-same household
02-same bari
03-same village
04-same thana
05-same district
06-outside district but
same country
07-Dhaka city
99-missing
1-village
3-small town
5-big city
8-DK
9- refused
01-same household
02-same bari
03-same village
04-same thana
05-same district
06-outside district but
same country
07-Dhaka city
99-missing
1-village
3-small town
5-big city
8,9-DK, refused
93

Panel E3.2. Childhood Health and Nutrition
Variable
ca05cm

Wording of Question/Description
Height

ca05mm

Height

Panel E3.3. Childhood SES (see note A)
Variable
ed03

Wording of Question/Description
Have you ever attended/are you attending school?

ed05

How old were you when you first started school?

ed06

(If ever attended school) What was the type of school last
attended?

ed08a

What was your highest class completed?

par02f

Where did your father live in the last 12 months?

par02m

Where did your mother live in the last 12 months?

Scale (if applicable)
(centimeters)
999-missing
(millimeters)
99-missing
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
9- missing
(years)
99-missing
02-maktab
03-madrasha
04-school/college
05-brac school
99- missing
0-less than class I
1-class I
2-class II
3-class III
4-class IV
5-class V
6-class VI
7-class VII
8-class VIII
9-class IX
10-SCC (Secondary
School Certificate)
11-HSC (Higher
Secondary Certificate)
12-Graduate
13-MA
14-doctor MBBs
16-B.Sc. engineer
17-polytechnic
engineer
18-other,specify
99-missing
1-alive and in the same
household
2-alive and lived in
different household
3-dead
9-missing
1-alive and in the same
household
2-alive and lived in
different household
3-dead
94

par03amf

How long ago did your father die? Fill in years/months.

par03amm How long ago did your mother die? Fill in years/months.
par03ayf

How long ago did your father die? Fill in years/months.

par03aym

How long ago did your mother die? Fill in years/months.

par03b_f

How old was your father when he died? Fill in years.

par03b_m

How old was your mother when she died? Fill in years.

par04_f

How old is/was your father now/when he died? Fill in
years.

par04_m

How old is/was your mother now/when she died? Fill in
years.

par05_f

What was the last school attended by your father?

par05_m

What was the last school attended by your mother?

par06_f

What was the highest class completed by your father?

9-missing
(months)
98-don’t know
99-missing
(months)
98-don’t know
99-missing
(years)
98-don’t know
99-missing
(years)
98-don’t know
99-missing
(years)
98-don’t know
99-missing
(years)
98-don’t know
99-missing
(years)
997-NA
998-don’t know
999-missing
(years)
997-NA
998-don’t know
999-missing
01-never attended
school
02-maktab
03-madrasa
04-school/college
05-brac school
8- don’t know
9-missing
01-never attended
school
02-maktab
03-madrasa
04-school/college
05-brac school
8-don’t know
9-missing
0-less than class I
1-class I
2-class II
3-class III
4-class IV
5-class V
6-class VI
7-class VII
95

par06_m

What was the highest class completed by your mother?

par07_f

What is/was your father’s occupation now/at time of
death?

par07_m

What is/was your mother’s occupation now/at time of
death?

par08_f

What is/was your father’s occupation for most of his life?

8-class VIII
9-class IX
10-SCC (Secondary
School Certificate)
11-HSC (Higher
Secondary Certificate)
12-Graduate
13-MA
14-doctor MBBs
16-B.Sc. engineer
17-polytechnic
engineer
18-other,specify
98-don’t know
99-missing
0-less than class I
1-class I
2-class II
3-class III
4-class IV
5-class V
6-class VI
7-class VII
8-class VIII
9-class IX
10-SCC (Secondary
School Certificate)
11-HSC (Higher
Secondary Certificate)
12-Graduate
13-MA
14-doctor MBBs
16-B.Sc. engineer
17-polytechnic
engineer
18-other,specify
98-don’t know
99-missing
01-72 (see Appendix B
of Bangladesh
questionnaire)
97-n/a
98-don’t know
99-missing
01-72 (see Appendix B
of Bangladesh
questionnaire)
97-n/a
98-don’t know
99-missing
01-72 (see Appendix B
96

par08_m

What is/was your mother’s occupation for most of her
life?

of Bangladesh
questionnaire)
97-n/a
98-don’t know
99-missing
01-72 (see Appendix B
of Bangladesh
questionnaire)
97-n/a
98-don’t know
99-missing

Table E4. Adult Lifestyle

Panel E4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)

Variable Wording of Question/Description
spn01a
Have you had the habit of chewing PAN (Betal leaf)?
spn01b

Have you had the habit of smoking a hookah?

spn01c

Have you had the habit of smoking biri?

spn01d

Have you had the habit of smoking cigarettes/cigars?

spn02a

Do you still have the habit of chewing PAN or have you
totally quit chewing PAN?

spn02b

Do you still have the habit of smoking hookah?

spn02c

Do you still have the habit of smoking biri?

spn02d

Do you still have the habit of smoking cigarettes?

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
7-NA
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
6-refused
7-n/a
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
7-NA
9-missing
1-still smokes/chews
3-gave up
7-NA
9-missing
1-still smokes/chews
3-gave up
7-NA
9-missing
1-still smokes/chews
3-gave up
7-NA
9-missing
1-still smokes/chews
3-gave up
7-NA
9-missing

Panel E4.2. Health Care Utilization (see note A)
Variable Wording of Question/Description
am09
Do you feel you have any such health problem for which
you need medical care but it is not available to you at
present?
am10

Why are you unable to get this treatment?

oc01_1

Within last one year have you ever been to the district
hospital/visited by the district hospital?
Within last one year have you ever been to the
midwife/tba/visited by the midwife/tba?
Within last one year have you ever been to the traditional
practitioner (Kabiraj, Fakir, Hakimi, Village Doctor,
etc.)/visited by the traditional practitioner (Kabiraj, Fakir,
Hakimi, Village Doctor, etc.)?
Within last one year have you ever been to the satellite
clinic/visited by the satellite clinic?
Within last one year have you ever been to the
pharmacy/visited by the pharmacy?

oc01_10
oc01_11

oc01_12
oc01_13
oc01_14
oc01_15
oc01_16
oc01_2
oc01_3
oc01_4
oc01_5
oc01_6
oc01_7
oc01_8
oc01_9
oc02_1
oc02_10
oc02_11

Within last one year have you ever been to the
FWC/visited by the FWC?
Within last one year have you ever been to the
FWA/visited by the FWA?
Within last one year have you ever been to other,
specify/visited by other, specify?
Within last one year have you ever been to the thana
health complex/visited by the thana health complex?
Within last one year have you ever been to the ICDDRB
hospital/visited by the ICDDRB hospital?
Within last one year have you ever been to the ICDDRB
sub center/visited by the ICDDRB sub center?
Within last one year have you ever been to the health
worker/visited by the health worker?
Within last one year have you ever been to the ICDDRB
health worker/visited by the ICDDRB health worker?
Within last one year have you ever been to the private
clinic/visited by the private clinic?
Within last one year have you ever been to the doctors
(MBBS)/visited by the doctors (MBBS)?
Within last one year have you ever been to the village
doctor/visited by the village doctor?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the district
hospital/visited by the district hospital?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the
midwife/tba/visited by the midwife/tba?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the
traditional practitioner (Kabiraj, Fakir, Hakimi, Village

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes, specify medical
problems
3-no
9-missing
1-lack of money
2-too far away
3-other, specify
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
6-refused
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
98

oc02_12
oc02_13
oc02_14
oc02_15
oc02_16
oc02_2
oc02_3
oc02_4
oc02_5
oc02_6
oc02_7
oc02_8
oc02_9
oc12h
oc12m
sn68b

sn69b

Doctor, etc.)/visited by the traditional practitioner
(Kabiraj, Fakir, Hakimi, Village Doctor, etc.)?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the
satellite clinic/visited by the satellite clinic?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the
pharmacy/visited by the pharmacy?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the
FWC/visited by the FWC?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the
FWA/visited by the FWA?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to other,
specify/visited by other, specify?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the thana
health complex/visited by the thana health complex?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the
ICDDRB hospital/visited by the ICDDRB hospital?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the
ICDDRB sub center/visited by the ICDDRB sub center?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the health
worker/visited by the health worker?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the
ICDDRB health worker/visited by the ICDDRB health
worker?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the private
clinic/visited by the private clinic?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the doctors
(MBBS)/visited by the doctors (MBBS)?
Within the last 3 months have you ever been to the village
doctor/visited by the village doctor?
What is the travel time to reach the provider/facility? (one
way)
What is the travel time to reach the provider/facility? (one
way)
Did you ever go to hospital/clinic/doctor?

In the last year did you ever go to hospital/clinic/doctor?
Probe.

1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
(hours)
(minutes)
1-yes, but never alone
2-yes, alone
3-no
9-missing
1-yes, but never alone
2-yes, alone
3-no
9-missing

Table E5. Adult Health Outcomes
Panel E5.1. Self-Reported Health

Variable Wording of Question/Description
gh01
What is your current health status?

gh02

What do you mean by fairly healthy?

Scale (if applicable)
1-healthy
2-fairly healthy
3-unhealthy/sick
9-missing
1-better than average
health
99

gh03y,
gh03m

For how long have you been worse than average
health/unhealthy?

gh04

Compared to another person of your age, would you
say that your health is…?

gh05

Compared to last year would you say that your current
health is…?

gh06

How do you expect our health to be in next year?

gh07

Interviewer Observation: Health condition of
respondent

gh08

Are you paralyzed/unable to move any extremity?
(Answer may be more than one.)

Panel E5.2. Anthropometric Measures (see note A)
Variable Wording of Question/Description
ca07gm Weight
ca07kg
Weight

2-worse than average
health
9-missing
(Fill in year/month)
99-missing
1-better than others
2-same as others
3-worse than the others
9-missing
1-good compared to last
year
2-the same compared to
last year
3-worse compared to last
year
9-missing
1-better than now
2-same as now
3-worse than now
4-label not available
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-healthy
2-fairly healthy
3-unhealthy/sick
6-refused
9-missing
A. all extremities are fine
B. can’t move right
hand/arm
C. left hand/arm cannot be
moved
D. can’t move both
hands/arms
E. right leg cannot be
moved
F. left leg cannot be moved
G. both legs cannot be
moved
H. problem with hip
movement
I. all four extremities
cannot be moved
Scale (if applicable)
(grams)
(kilograms)

100

Panel E5.3. Functionality (see note A)
Variable
gh09A

Wording of Question/Description
If you have to walk for one mile could you do it?

gh09B

If you have to carry a heavy load (like 10 Serr rice) for
20 yards could you do it?

gh09C

If you have to draw a pail of water from the tube-well
could you do it?

gh09D

If you have to stand up from sitting position on the
floor without help could you do it?

gh09E

If you have to use a ladder to climb to storage place at
least 5 feet in height could you do it?

gh09F

If you have to sit on floor with bent knees could you
do it?

gh09G

If you have to stand up from sitting position on
chair/stool without help could you do it?

gh09H

If you have to bow could you do it?

gh09I

If you have to sweep the floor or yard could you do it?

gh09J

If you have to bathe without help could you do it?

gh09K

If you have to go to the toilet without help could you
do it?

gh09L

If you have to dress yourself without help could you
do it?

Scale (if applicable)
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
6-refused
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
101

gh09M

If you have to get up/down from/to your bed without
help could you do it?

gh09X

Interviewer: Respondent’s age 50 or more?

Panel E5.4. Chronic Conditions (see note A)
Variable
cm01_1
cm01_10
cm01_11
cm01_12
cm01_13

Wording of Question/Description
Have you ever suffered from anaemia during the past
1 year?
Have you ever suffered from paralysis during the past
1 year?
Have you ever suffered from tuberculosis during the
past 1 year?
Have you ever suffered from gastric/ulcer during the
past 1 year?
Have you ever suffered from edema during the past 1
year?

cm01_14

Have you ever suffered from penile discharge (males);
after week 12, also vaginal ulcers (females) during the
past 1 year?

cm01_15

Have you ever suffered from penile ulcers in the past
1 year?

cm01_2

Have you ever suffered from arthritis or rheumatism
during the past 1 year?
Have you ever suffered from broken or fractured
bones during the past 1 year?
Have you ever suffered from cataracts during the past
1 year?

cm01_3
cm01_4
cm01_5
cm01_6
cm01_7
cm01_8
cm01_9
cm02_2
cm02_7

Have you ever suffered from eye disease (other than
cataract) during the past 1 year?
Have you ever suffered from asthma during the past 1
year?
Have you ever suffered from other breathing difficulty
during the past 1 year?
Have you ever suffered from diabetes during the past
1 year?
Have you ever suffered from pain on passing
urine/burning sensation during the past 1 year?
Have you ever suffered from arthritis or rheumatism
during the past three months?
Have you ever suffered from other breathing difficulty

1-easily
2-have trouble
3-unable to do it
9-n/a
1-age 50 or more
3-less than 50
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
7-n/a
1-yes
3-no
7-n/a (female before week
12)
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
7-n/a
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
102

cm02_8
cm03_2

during the past three months?
Have you ever suffered from diabetes during the past
three months?
Does arthritis or rheumatism create any difficulty in
doing your day to day activities during the past 3
months?

cm03_7

Does other breathing difficulty create any difficulty in
doing your day to day activities during the past 3
months?

cm03_8

Does diabetes create any difficulty in doing your day
to day activities during the past 3 months?

Panel E5.5. Adult Mortality

3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-no difficulty
2-some difficulty
3-lot of difficulty
4-unable to do it
7-n/a
9-missing
1-no difficulty
2-some difficulty
3-lot of difficulty
4-unable to do it
1-no difficulty
2-some difficulty
3-lot of difficulty
4-unable to do it
9-missing

Variable Wording of Question/Description
Scale (if applicable)
mo_date
Date of death. Variable constructed by MHSS team.
mo_cause Cause of death. Variable constructed by MHSS team. (see note C)
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above.
Rahman, O., Menken, J., Foster, A., & Gertler, P. Matlab [Bangladesh] Health and
Socioeconomic Survey (MHSS), 1996. ICPSR02705-v5. Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university
Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributor], accessed 2008-04-25.
http://www.rand.org/labor/FLS/MHSS.html,
http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/NACDA/studies/02705/version/5.
Notes:
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Table E1. Interview Session Notes (Section ISN) are available in Book I of the
Questionnaire. For further information about the status variable, see Rahman et al. (1999).
Note A, Table E2. There is additional information regarding non-householder siblings’
education, marital status and number of children, in Section SIB of Book III. There is extensive
information on social networks in Section SN of Book III.
Note A, Panel E2.2. There are additional variables (ofi010t6, ofi010t7) that list what
respondents reported as their other sources of income. These intermediary variables were not
saved in the final file, but can be attained from the original MHSS survey (RAND: Family Life
Surveys, 1994-2012). Household characteristics, including observations on general sanitary
conditions, ownership, roofing and flooring types, available in Book I of the questionnaire
include hc01-hc17. There is a section in Book III on individual assets (Section IA). These
intermediary variables were not saved in the final file, but can be attained from the original
MHSS survey (RAND: Family Life Surveys, 1994-2012). Users should also be aware that the
following variables were used to calculate the respondent’s income but are not saved in the final
103

file: fb_asst, nae05, nae07, nae08b, ai11, ae03, ae04, ae07, ai01, ai02, ai05m, ai07, ai08, ai09,
ai10m, fb01a, fb04, ha_asst, hrt11, hrt20, li01, li08, li09, li10, li11a, li11b, nae03, nae04a,
nae04b, nae04c, nae04t, nae08a, nae08c, nae08t, nfb01, nfb03, nfb05, nfb06, ofi02_1,
ofi02_2, ofi02_3, ofi02_4, ofi02_5, ofi02_6, ofi02_7.
Note A, Table E3.3 Variables appearing in the questionnaire are sometimes slightly modified in
the data. For example, par05f from the questionnaire appears as par05_f in the data file.
Another example is par06f from the questionnaire appearing as par06_f in the data file.
Note A, Panel E4.1. Section SPN has other variables related to smoking including spn03-spn06.
These include questions on the timing and frequency of smoking.
Note A, Panel E4.2. There are additional questions (oc03) regarding frequency of visits during
the past three months available in Section OC of Book III. There are additional variables
associated with oc12, and oc11 which provides information on the distance to the nearest
provider. There are also questions regarding medications in Section MED of Book III, and
hospitalization in Section HOS of Book III.
Note A, Panel E5.2. There is a cognitive test included in Book VI. Performance measures
available in Bangladesh but not saved in the country-specific Bangladesh file are listed below:
1. Stands. Static balance. Graded series of tests of balance with eyes open and feet in semitandem, full tandem, and feet together position. The semi-tandem stand procedure
serves as a screening test for the tandem stand. Each respondent will be asked to
perform a combination of only two positions: semi and full or semi and side by side. The
respondent receives only one try to maintain each position; therefore it is important to
explain the goal of the exercise. Walking aids may not be used in any of the three stands.
a. Semi-tandem. Tell the respondent, “First I would like you to try to stand with the
side of the heel of one foot touching the big toe of the other foot for about ten
seconds. You may use either foot whichever is more comfortable for you. Now I
am going to support your arm while you get into the position. You may use your
arms, bend your knees, or move your body to maintain your balance, but try not
to move your feet. Try to hold this position until I say ‘Stop.’”
b. Full tandem. Tell the respondent, “Now I would like you to try to stand with the
heel of one foot in front of and touching the toes of the other foot for about ten
seconds. You may use either foot, whichever is more comfortable for you. Now I
am going to support your arm while you get into the position. You may use your
arms, bend your knees, or move your body to maintain your balance, but try not
to move your feet. Try to hold this position until I say ‘Stop.’”
c. Side by side stand. Tell the respondent, “Now I would like you to stand with your
feet together, side by side, for about ten seconds. You may use your arms to
maintain your balance, but try not to move your feet. Try to hold this position
until I say ‘Stop.’”
2. Chair stand. Measures the ability to stand up from a standard chair without using arms.
Use of walking aids is not permitted. Ask the respondent, “Do you have any problems
from recent surgery, injury or other health conditions that might prevent you from
standing up from a chair or walking up steps? First would you please fold your arms
across your chest and sit in the chair so that you are sitting with your feet on the floor.
Now please try to stand up without using your arms. Ok, try to stand up using your arms
to push off.”
3. Repeated chair stands. Time required to stand up from a chair five times. Use of walking
aids is not permitted. Ask the respondent, “Do you think it would be unsafe for you to try
104

5.
6.

to stand up from a chair five times quickly? Keep your arms folded across your chest.
When I say ‘Ready? Stand,’ please stand up straight as quickly as you can five times
without stopping in between. After standing each time, sit down and then stand again.
I’ll be timing you with the stopwatch.”
Measured walk. Time required to walk 2.5 meter measured course twice. Tell the
respondent, “Now we are going to observe how you normally walk. If you use a cane or
other walking aid and would feel more comfortable with it, then you may use it. This is
our walking course. I want you to walk to the other end of the course at your usual speed,
just as if you were walking down the street to go to the store. I want you to walk all the
way past the other end of the ruler before you stop. I will walk with you. When I want
you to start I will say: ‘Ready, begin.’ I will always be beside you to steady you if you
begin to lose your balance. I would now like you to repeat the walk. Remember to walk at
your usual pace, and go all the way past the other end of the course.”
Abnormalities of gait and posture. Note any abnormalities and record details.
Bending over. This movement involves bending over to pick up a pencil. Ask the
respondent if they have had an operation for cataracts within the past six weeks. If they
say ‘yes,’ they should not try this movement. Tell the respondent, “When I say ‘Begin,”
I’d like you to bend over and pick up this pencil and stand back up.”
Foot tapping. Place foot-tapping mat on the floor in front of the chair so the respondent
can reach the circles on the mat easily while seated in the chair. The circles should be six
inches in diameter. Tell the respondent, “Now I’d like you to put your right foot here
between these circles. When I say ‘Go,’ I’d like you to tap your foot back and forth in each
circle. Tap the ball of your foot on the circles as fast as you can, first one circle and then
the other, back and forth as fast as you can like this (Demonstrate). Keep tapping your
foot back and forth until I tell you to stop. I’m going to time you and count the taps. It
doesn’t count unless you hit the circle with your foot. First we’ll do the right foot and
then the left. Please try it once or twice for practice. Ready with the right foot? Begin.”
Shoulder external rotation. Demonstrate while telling the respondent, “Now I’d like you
to stand up (sit up) straight and put both hands behind your head at the level of your
ears. Try to raise your arms up parallel to the floor and point your elbows out to the
side.”

Note A, Panel E5.3. There are also a series of gh10 variables which ask how long the respondent
has had the difficulty.
Note A, Panel E5.4. There is additional information for each chronic disease in questions cm02
and cm03. There are also questions relating to health symptoms in Section AM of Book III.
NOTE B.
There are several items of particular note in examining the Bangladesh data. The notes below
describe some of the more salient items to take into consideration.
Notes about sample design and randomness (Rahman et al., 1999)
All persons 50+ were interviewed in this survey.
A bari is a cluster of households in close proximity to each other (a residential compound). A
random sample of baris was conducted which ultimately produced a possible sample of 2781
baris. Then, a household was randomly selected from these baris (called a primary household).
Following this, a second household was selected (secondary household) which in some cases was
105

random and in other cases not random. The selection of the primary and some secondary
households could be considered a random selection of households (Rahman et al., 1999, page
28). Sample weights are just for primary households (to get population estimates).
Maternal and Child Health Interventions of the 1970s-1980s
The Matlab area received a maternal and child health (MCH) intervention, Family Planning &
Health Services Project (FPHSP) in 1977. There is a variable (treatmnt) in the data set which
identifies if the household participated in a special treatment program (Rahman et al., 1999,
page 71).
According to the Menken and Phillips (1990), the study area consisted of 4 blocks of 20 villages
(blocks A, B, C, D). At its inception, the intervention provided comprehensive family planning
with limited MCH services. In 1982, the program was extended to include more intensive MCH
services in blocks A and C, specifically.
Thus, the intervention changed across time but all four of the blocks received some type of
family planning/MCH service. The question really is: what was the impact on others within the
family? Did the intervention help educate them of the importance of health services? When the
physician visited did they also ask about other health problems?
In 1978, those born in 1937-1946 would have been 32-41 years old (50-59 years in 1996 survey
year); those born in 1922-1936 would have been 42-56 years old (60-74 years in 1996 survey
year); those born in 1921 and earlier would have been at least 57 years old (75+ in 1996 survey
year).
Fifteen to forty-nine years old are considered reproductive ages and so those born in 1929 and
after had the potential for being directly exposed to MCH interventions. There were 902 total
females living in the treatment area and 704 of them were born in 1929 or after and so a high
percentage of females could have received treatment. There were 1831 total females ages 50+
and so about 38% of them could have received more direct treatment of MCH services from the
1970s.
Were these individuals in better health over the long run?
Was there a longer time period between births in Bangladesh (the average is 18 months)? Was
there higher mortality for females than males in Bangladesh? Was there higher mortality in the
control area as compared to the treatment area?
Note that there is a very high population density in Bangladesh.
Note C.
The following are the codes for the cause of death variable mo_cause:
001 - Cholera (proven)
010 - Acute watery diarrhea, (any other)
012 - Shigellosis (proven)
013 - Acute dysentery, with blood in stools
014 - Acute non-watery diarrhea with mucus, no blood in stools
016 - Persistent diarrhea w/ blood w/out obvious malnutrition
017 - Persistent diarrhea, no blood, no obvious malnutrition
106

019 - Persistent diarrhea or dysentery with malnutrition
020 - Pulmonary TB
033 - Diphtheria
034 - Whooping cough (pertussis)
036 - Meningitis
037 - Tetanus (except neonatal and post-partum)
038 - Septicemia 83
040 - Acute Polio
042 - Measles (death within rash period)
043 - Post Measles pneumonia (<60 days)
044 - Post Measles dysentery (<60 days)
046 - Viral Hepatitis Acute (initial jaundice period)
047 - Rabies
052 - Malaria
060 - Syphilis
099 - Malignant neoplasm of digestive organs
109 - Malignant neoplasm of respiratory organs
113 - Malignant neoplasm of female breast
122 - Malignant neoplasm of uterus
139 - Malignant neoplasm of other & unspecified sites
141 - Leukemia
181 - Diabetes mellitus
190 - Marasmus-kwashiorkor (complication of)
191 - Severe malnutrition associated with chronic diarrhea
192 - Marasmus due to lack of breast feeding
193 - Marasmus due to insufficient food intake, and no obvious infection
194 - Marasmus due to other chronic infection (non-diarrhea)
195 - Death associated with nutritional blindness
213 - Psychoses
217 - Physiological malnutrition arising from mental factors
218 - Mental retardation (including due to birth trauma)
251 - Rheumatic Heart Disease
270 - Acute Myocardial infraction
293 - Acute but ill-defined cardiovascular disease (stroke, etc.)
294 - Complication of the above
321 - Pneumonia, ALRI
323 - Chronic Bronchitis w/emphysema, asthma (complication of)
325 - Pneumonia with diarrhea
328 - Pneumonia, ALRI, as a complication of severe malnutrition
341 - Peptic ulcer (complication of)
342 - Appendicitis, peritonitis
344 - Intestinal obstruction
347 - Chronic Liver disease and cirrhosis (>1 month)
350 - Nephritis, Nephrotic syndrome
371 - GUT infection, unrelated to pregnancy, salpingitis
380 - Spontaneous Abortion, miscarriage, DOC
382 - Induced Abortion, DOC
390 - Hemorrhage of pregnancy, DOC
391 - Toxemia, eclampsia
392 - Infections in pregnancy (G.U Tract)
393 - Obstructed labor, prolonged labor
107

394 - Other complication of pregnancy
395 - Hemorrhage of the puerperium (immediate;<12 hours after birth)
396 - Haemorrhage of the puerperium (delayed;>12 hours after birth)
397 - Post-partum sepsis
398 - Post-partum Tetanus
399 - Other complication of post-partum
420 - Infections of skin and sub cutaneous tissue, CRN
449 - All congenital anomalies, CRN
450 - Sudden infant death, CRN 83
451 - Obstetric complication of new born (Necrologic),CRN
452 - Immaturity, small-for-date (including due to twin birth), CRN
453 - Birth trauma, cord haemorrhage, CRN
454 - Hypoxia, birth asphyxia, CRN
456 - N.N. tetanus, CRN
457 - Other NN infections, CRN
458 – Prematurity (direct complication of), CRN
459 - Unspecified Neonatal death, CRN
460 - F.U.O., fever of unknown origin
461 - Oedemas + Ascitis of unspecified origin
468 - Anaphylaxis, Allergy
540 - Complication of medical care by official Health practitioners
541 - Complication of medical care by traditional Health practitioners
542 - Complication of surgical care by official Health practitioners
543 - Complication of surgical care by traditional Health practitioners
550 - Transport accident
551 - Accidental injuries (not including due to epilepsy)
552 - Burns + complication of extended burns
553 - Drowning
554 - Snake bite
555 - Homicide by violence
556 - Homicide by poisoning
557 - Suicide by poisoning
558 - Suicide by hanging
559 - Other injuries, accidental suffocation or violent death, electric shock, lightning
560 - Accidental falls due to epilepsy
990 - Other cause (specified but rare)
991 - Senility (old age death without any specific disease)
998 - Impossible to specify
999 - Unreported or unknown
Please also note that m0_cause has some values with unknown labels. Please contact RAND for
more information about these values (contact information listed at the end of the technical
report.
Note D.
Note D, Panel E3.3. Variables par06_m and par06_f have values with unknown labels and may
be considered as miscoded values. Please contact RAND for more information about these
variables (contact information listed at the end of the technical report).

108

Noted D, Panel E3.3. Variables par04_f and par04_m should not have values less than 10 or
greater than 120: please contact RAND for more information about these variables (contact
information listed at the end of the technical report).
Note D, Panel E5.1. The variable gh06 has value with unknown labels and may be considered as
miscoded values. Please contact RAND for more information about these variables (contact
information listed at the end of the technical report).
Technical report found at
http://www.rand.org/contect/dam/rand/pubs/drafts/2007/DRU2018.4.pdf

109

Appendix F: China-CHNS original variables

The tables below describe the original variables from the China-CHNS survey that were
used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are
marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that
are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The
variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of
the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the China data that
should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table F1. Respondent
Variable
a5

Wording of Question/Description
Relationship to the head of this household.

hhid00_china Household ID.
line
Line number of household member.
t1
Province.

1=urban site 2=rural site

wave

Survey year.

Scale (if applicable)
00-head of household
01-spouse
02-father/mother
03-son/daughter
04-brother/sister
05grandson/granddaughter
/grandson-inlaw/granddaughter-inlaw
06-mother-inlaw/father-in-law
07-son-in-law/daughterin-law
08-other relative
09-maid
10-other non-relative
21-Liaoning
23-Heilongjiang
32-Jiangsu
37-Shandong
41-Henan
42-Hubei
43-Hunan
45-Guangxi
52-Guizhou
1-Urban site
2-Rural site

110

Table F2. Demographics

Panel F2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
a8

Wording of Question/Description
What is your marital status?

gender

Gender.

west_dob

Date of birth.

Variable
a18
a19

Wording of Question/Description
Is this a “five-guarantee household”? (Are you
“Wubaohu”?)
Are you a national minority?

a21
a26

Where is your “old home”?
Is your spouse a national minority?

a27

Where is his/her “old home”?

Variable
a11

Wording of Question/Description
How many years of formal education have you
completed in a regular school?

Panel F2.2. Ethnicity, Race and Language (see note A)

Panel F2.3. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)

Scale (if applicable)
1-never married
2-married
3-divorced
4-widowed
5-separated
6-unknown
9-missing
1-male
2-female
(day, month, year)
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
(see note B)
1-yes
0-no
(see note B)
Scale (if applicable)
00-no school completed
11-1 year primary school
12-2 years primary school
13-3 years primary school
14-4 years primary school
15-5 years primary school
16-6 years primary school
21-1 year lower middle
22-2 years lower middle
23-3 years lower middle
24-1 year1 upper middle
25-2 years upper middle
26-3 years upper middle
27-1 year technical school
28-2 years technical
school
31-1 year
college/university
32-2 years
college/university
33-3 years
college/university
34-4 years
college/university
35-5 years
111

a12

hhexpense_cpi
hhinc_cpi
hhinc_pc
hhincgross_cpi
hhincpc_cpi
index_new
index_old
l1

l100
l105
l110
l115
l140f
l31
l5

What is the highest level of education you have
attained?

Household expenses inflated to 2006.
Total household income inflated to 2006.
Per capita household income.
Gross household income inflated to 2006.
Per capita household income inflated to 2006.
Inflation index to 2006.
Deflation index to 1988.
How does your household obtain drinking water?
(If more than one method, record the most
important.) If using the fourth method (other
place), continue with the next question.
Otherwise, skip to Question 3.
Does your household or any household member
own any of the electrical appliances and other
goods listed on the left? Black/white television.
Does your household or any household member
own any of the electrical appliances and other
goods listed on the left? Color television.
Does your household or any household member
own any of the electrical appliances and other
goods listed on the left? Washing machine.
Does your household or any household member
own any of the electrical appliances and other
goods listed on the left? Refrigerator.
Does your household or any household member
own any of the electrical appliances and other
goods listed on the left? Telephone.
Does your household own any of the
transportation means listed in the left column?
Automobile.
What kind of toilet facilities does your household
have?

college/university
36-6 years
college/university or
more
-9-unknown

0< 5 years of
formal education

1-graduated from
primary school
2-lower middle school
degree
3-upper middle school
degree
4-technical or vocational
degree
5-university or college
6-master’s degree or
higher

1-in-house tap water
2-in-yard tap water
3-in-yard well
4-other place
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
9-missing
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
0-no bathroom
1-flush, in-house
2-no flush, in-house
112

l8 (recoded
from l8_1)

What kind of fuel does your household generally
use for cooking? If more than two kinds, record
the two most often used. If only one kind, add 0.

Panel F2.4. Family and Household
Variable
s122

Wording of Question/Description
In total, how many children have you given birth to
in your life?

s47
t6
a23

How many children have died?
Number of household members.
Are your parents still alive?

a29

Are your spouse’s parents still alive?

3-flush, outside house,
public restroom
4-no flush, outside house,
public restroom
5-cement open pit
6-earth open pit
8-other (specify)
9-missing
1-coal
2-electricity
3-kerosene
4-liquified natural gas
5-natural gas
6-wood, sticks/straw, etc.
7-charcoal
8-other (specify)
9-missing
Scale (if applicable)
(number)
Note: variable does not
have any observations.
(number)
1-yes
0-no (note: variable
does not have any
observations))
1-yes
0-no (note: variable
does not have any
observations))

Table F3. Early Life Conditions (see note A)
Panel F3.1. Birthplace and Timing of Birth (see note A)
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
a16
Have you always lived here?
a17
a20

For how many years did you live elsewhere?
Where were you born?

west_dob
Date of birth.
Panel F3.2. Childhood Nutrition
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
height (u3) Height.
u10
Waist circumference.
u9
Hip circumference.

Scale (if applicable)
1-yesskip to question 3
(a18)
0-no
(years)
(province, region, city)
(see note B)
(day, month, year)
Scale (if applicable)
(centimeters)
(centimeters)
(centimeters)

Table F4. Adult Lifestyle (see note A)
113

Panel F4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
u25
Have you ever smoked cigarettes (including hand-rolled
or device-rolled)?
u27

Do you still smoke cigarettes now?

Panel F4.2. Adult Exercise (see note A)
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
u140
Do you spend time on light or very light physical
activities during the work day in a week (e.g. sedentary
job, job requiring some standing and sitting, office
work, watch smith, college student, counter sales
person, lab technician)?
u141
Do you spend time on moderate physical activities
during the work day in a week (e.g. driver, electrician)?
u142

Do you spend time on heavy or very heavy physical
activities during the work day in a week (e.g. farmer,
athlete, dancer, steel worker, lumber worker, mason,
etc.)?
Panel F4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
u40
During the past year, have you drank beer or any other
alcohol beverage?
Panel F4.4. Health Care Utilization
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
m47
Within the last month, did you receive any preventive
health service (for example, a health examination, eye
examination, well-child examination, blood test, blood
pressure screening, tumor screening, etc.)? If “no” or
“unknown,” stop here, and go to the next person. If
“yes,” continue with the next question.
m48
What service did you receive? If more than one type,
choose the one that had the highest cost.

Scale (if applicable)
0-never smoked
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
Scale (if applicable)
(minutes?)
00-no
-9-don’t know or refuse
to answer
(minutes?)
00-no
-9-don’t know or refuse
to answer
(minutes?)
00-no
-9-don’t know or refuse
to answer
Scale (if applicable)
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
Scale (if applicable)
0-no
1-yes
9-unknown

1-general physical
examination
2-well-child
examination
3-blood test
4-blood pressure
screening
5-tumor screening
6-gynecological
examination
114

m40a

Did you visit a folk doctor last year?

7-vision or hearing
examination
8-other examination
9-unknown
10- undocumented code
(contact CHNS survey
team for code)
-9- not available
0-no
1-yes
9-unkwown

Table F5. Adult Health Outcomes

Panel F5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
u48a
Right now, how would you describe your health
compared to that of other people of your age?

Panel F5.2. Anthropometric Measures (see note A)
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
weight
Weight.
(u2)
systol1
Systolic blood pressure (for persons age 7 and older
(u4_1)
only).
diastol1
Diastolic blood pressure (for persons age 7 and older
(u4_2)
only).
systol2
Systolic blood pressure (for persons age 7 and older
(u5_1)
only).
diastol2
Diastolic blood pressure (for persons age 7 and older
(u5_2)
only).
systol3
Systolic blood pressure (for persons age 7 and older
(u6_1)
only).
diastol3
Diastolic blood pressure (for persons age 7 and older
(u6_2)
only).
Panel F5.3. Functionality (see note A)
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
u157
Do you have any difficulty running a kilometer?

u158

Do you have any difficulty walking a kilometer?

Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
2-good
3-fair
4-poor
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
Scale (if applicable)
(kilograms)
(mmHg)
(mmHg)
(mmHg)
(mmHg)
(mmHg)
(mmHg)
Scale (if applicable)
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
115

u159

Do you have any difficulty walking for 200 meters?

u160

Do you have any difficulty walking across a room?

u161

Do you have any difficulty sitting continuously for 2
hours?

u162

Do you have any difficulty standing up after sitting for a
long time?

u163

Do you have any difficulty climbing one staircase?

u164

Do you have any difficulty climbing a few stairs without
stopping?

u165

Do you have any difficulty lifting or raising a 5-kg bag,
such as a bag of flour, rice or other miscellaneous items?

3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
116

u166

Do you have any difficulty squatting down, kneeling
down, or bending over?

u167

Do you have any difficulty bathing yourself?

u169

Do you have any difficulty eating by yourself?

u171

Do you have any difficulty putting on your clothes?

u172

Do you have any difficulty combing your hair?

u173

Do you have any difficulty using the toilet?

u174

Does your health condition or physical strength make it
difficult for you to do shopping (e.g. buying food, clothes,
etc.) without others’ help?

u175

Does your health condition or physical strength make it
difficult for you to cook without others’ help?

8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-cannot do it at all
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-Cannot do it at all
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
117

u176

Does your health condition or physical strength make it
difficult for you to use public transportation to go places
where it is too far to walk?

u177

Does your health condition or physical strength make it
difficult for you to manage your money (e.g., record your
income and expenses) without others’ help?

u178

Does your health condition or physical strength make it
difficult for you to use the telephone without others’
help?

Panel F5.4. Chronic Conditions (see note A)
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
m23
During the past 4 weeks, have you been sick or injured?
Have you suffered from a chronic or acute disease?
m40

What was the doctor’s diagnosis of your illness or injury?

u22

Has a doctor ever told you that you suffer from high
blood pressure?

u23

For how many years have you had it?

u24

Are you currently taking anti-hypertension drugs?

u24a

Has the doctor ever told you that you suffer from
diabetes?

u24b

How old were you when the doctor told you about such a
situation?

u24c

Did you use any of the following treatment methods?
Special diet.

u24d

Did you use any of the following treatment methods?
Weight control.

but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-Cannot do it at all
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-Cannot do it at all
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-Cannot do it at all
1-no difficulty
2-have some difficulty
but can do it
3-need help to do it
4-Cannot do it at all
Scale (if applicable)
0-no
1-yes
9-unknown
(c0des)
-9-missing
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
(years)
-9-don’t know or
refuse to answer
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
(years)
-9-don’t know or
refuse to answer
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
118

u24e

Did you use any of the following treatment methods?
Oral medicine.

u24f

Did you use any of the following treatment methods?
Injection of insulin.

u24g

Did you use any of the following treatment methods?
Chinese traditional medicine.

u24h

Did you use any of the following treatment methods?
Home remedies.

u24i

Did you use any of the following treatment methods? Qi
Gong (or other method).

u24j

Has the doctor ever given you the diagnosis of
myocardial infarction?

u24l

Has the doctor ever given you the diagnosis of apoplexy?

u24m

How old were you when you suffered from apoplexy?

0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
0-no
1-yes
8-refuse to answer
9-don’t know
(years—if more than
once, please give most
recent one)
-9-don’t know or
refuse to answer

Panel F5.5. Mortality
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
Scale (if applicable)
dod
Date of death.
(yyyymmdd)
dod_rpt
Survey year death first reported.
t7_00
Interview dates.
t7_06
Interview dates.
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above.
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. The Carolina Population Center, National Institute of
Nutrition and Food Safety, & Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. China Health
and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). ICPSR176. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina
[distributor], accessed 2010-02-11. http://www.cpc.unc.edu/projects/china/data.
Notes:
The China-CHNS working manual is not publicly accessible. See the China-CHNS website for
detailed information.
119

NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Panel F2.2. Variables a21 and a27 do not have specified value labels for the province,
region, or city available and so birthplace could not be ascertained from this data.
Note A, Panel F2.3. All of the income variables have been calculated by the survey staff. These
include: income from wages, home gardening income, household farms’ income, raising
livestock or poultry income, collective household and fishing income, small handicraft and small
commercial household business income, and income from other sources. There are also
additional questions regarding drinking water, environmental sanitation, and household assets
including l1-l18. There are several other questions available for household assets from l90l140g.
Note A, Table F3. Questions a16-a27 were only asked of the head of the household.
Note A, Table F3.1. There is also a variable on father’s birthplace available. However, variable
a20 for respondent’s birthplace does not have specified value labels for the province, region, or
city available and so birthplace could not be ascertained from this data.
Note A, Table F4. In the Community Survey, there is extensive information on household diet.
Note A, Panel F4.1. There are additional smoking questions (u26-u33) in terms of frequency,
how old the respondent was when they began smoking, and use of pipe tobacco.
Note A, Panel F4.2. There are additional variables for physical activities including u143-u156.
Note A, Panel F5.2. In the Physical Examination, there are additional measures including upper
arm circumference and triceps skin fold. They also describe other conditions such as loss of
vision. Furthermore, there are cognitive questions included (variables u179-u192).
In some cases in China-CHNS, the variable listed in the questionnaire is different from the data
set. For example, the variable u2 in the questionnaire is renamed as weight in the data set.
Note A, Panel F5.3. Variables u48 and u49 in the Physical Examination ask about difficulty in
carrying out normal daily activities due to illness.
Note A, Panel F5.4. Variable m40 does not have specified value labels for the illness or injury
available and so recent injuries/illnesses could not be ascertained from this data.
NOTE B.
Responses for variables a21 and a27 are as follows:
11-Beijing
12-Tianjin
13-Hebei
14-Shanxi
15-Inner Mongolia
21-Liaoning
22-Jilin
23-Heilongjiang
31-Shanghai
32-Jiangsu
33-Zhejiang
34-Anhui
35-Fujian
36-Jiangxi
37-Shandong
41-Henan
42-Hubei
43-Hunan
44-Guangdong
45-Guangxi
46-Hainan
120

51-Sichuan
52-Guizhou
53-Yunnan
54-Tibet
55-Chongqing
61-Shaanxi
62-Gansu
63-Qinghai
64-Ningxia
65-Xinjiang

121

Appendix G: China-CLHLS original variables

The tables below describe the original variables from the China-CLHLS survey that were
used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are
marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that
are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The
variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of
the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the China data that
should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table G1. Respondent (see note A)
Variable
d5respon

Wording of Question/Description
Who answered the questionnaire?

day02
id
month02
prov

Day of the interview.
ID number for individual.
Month of the interview.
National code for provinces sampled.

Scale (if applicable)
-9-loss to follow-up in 2005
survey
-7-deceased persons only, not
applicable
0-parent
1-spouse
2-child
3-spouse of a child
4-grandchild or spouse of
grandchild
5-relative
6-neighbor
7-social worker
8-other
9-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivor
99-missing
(month)
11-beijing
12-tianjian
13-hebei
14-shanxi
21-liaoning
22-jilin
23-helongjiang
31-shangai
32-jiangus
33-zhejiang
34-anhui
35-fujian
36-jiangxi
37-shangdong
41-henan
42-hubei
43-hunan
122

ra2

Proxy.

residenc

Category of residence of the interviewee at the
2002 survey.

type

Category of the interviewee.

w_2002

Weight variable, estimated based on 100%
age-sex-residence-specific distribution

44-guangdong
45-guangxi
50-chongqing
51-siachuan
61-shaanxi
0-without proxy
1-with proxy
9-missing
1-city
2-town
3-rural
1-elder first interviewed in 1998
2-elder first interviewed in
2000
3-elder first interviewed in
2002 to replace those lost to
follow-up or death
4-newly added elder in 2002
5-siblings aged 80+ of 1, 2, 3, 4

Table G2. Demographics (see note A)
Panel G2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
a1

Wording of Question/Description
Sex.

f41

Current marital status.

trueage

Age confirmed.

Variable
a2

Wording of Question/Description
Ethnic group.

Panel G2.2 Ethnicity, Race and Language

Panel G2.3. Education, Income and Wealth
Variable
d5

Wording of Question/Description
What kind of water do you usually drink?

d6b

(d5: What kind of water do you usually drink?)

Scale (if applicable)
1-male
2-female
1-married and living with
spouse
2-separated
3-divorced
4-widowed
5-never married
Scale (if applicable)
1-Han
2-Hui
3-Zhuang
4-Yao
5-Korea
6-Man
7-Mongolia
8-others
9-missing
Scale (if applicable)
1-boiled water
2-un-boiled water
9-missing
1-water from a well
123

Such water was ___ around age 60?

d6c

(d5: What kind of water do you usually drink?)
Such water was ___ at present?

How many years did you attend school?

What was your primary occupation before age
60?

f12a

f22

How much money (including cash and value of
materials) did you get last year from your sons
and their spouses both living and not living
with you?
How much money (including cash and value of
materials) did you get last year from your
daughters and their spouses both living and
not living with you?
How much money (including cash and value of
materials) did you give last year to your sons
and their spouses both living and not living
with you?
How much money (including cash and value of
materials) did you give last year to your
daughters and their spouses both living and
not living with you?
Which year did you retire?

f21

Do you have a pension for retirement?

f31

What is your primary means of financial

f12b

f13a

f13b

2-water from a river or lake
3-water from a spring
4-water from a pond or pool
5-tap water
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-water from a well
2-water from a river or lake
3-water from a spring
4-water from a pond or pool
5-tap water
9-missing
(years)
88-don’t know
99-missing
0-professional or technical
personnel
1-governmental, institutional or
managerial personnel
2-staff/service
worker/industrial worker
3-self-employer
4-agriculture, forestry, animal
husbandry, fishery
5-housewife
6-military personnel
7-unemployed
8-other, please specify
9-missing
(Yuan)
-1-not applicable
99999-missing
(Yuan)
-1-not applicable
99999-missing
(Yuan)
-1-missing
99999-missing
(Yuan)
-1-not applicable
99999-missing
-1-not applicable
9999-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-retirement wages
124

support?

f32
f33

Other financial sources?
Does all of your financial support sufficiently
pay your daily costs?

f35

What was the income per capita of your
household last year?

Panel G2.4 Family and Household (see note A)
Variable
a51

Wording of Question/Description
Co-residence of interviewee.

a52

How many people are living with you?

a531

Under whose name your current
house/apartment purchased or rented

f10

How many children, including those who have
died, did you ever born?

How many biological siblings, including those
who have died, do you have?

f91

What is your birth order among all your
biological siblings?

f92a1

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Birth order.

f92a2

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Sex.

f92a3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

2-spouse
3-child(ren)
4-grandchild(ren)
5-other relative(s)
6-local government
7-work by self
8-other, please specify
(number)
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
(Yuan, if more than 100,000,
please fill 99998)
99999-missing
Scale (if applicable)
1-with household member(s)
2-alone
3-in an institution
(number of persons)
-1-not applicable
-1-not applicable
1-self
2-children
3-grandchildren
4-other relatives
5-others
9-missing
(number)
88-don’t know
99-missing
(number)
88-don’t know
99-missing
(list order)
88-don’t know
99-missing
(list order)
-1-not applicable
88-don’t know
99-missing
1-male
2-female
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
125

f92a4

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Age.

f92b3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

f92c3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

f92d3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

f92e3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

f92f3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

f92g3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

f92h3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

f92i3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

f92j3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

(if alive, fill in the age at
present; if dead, fill in the age of
death)
-1-not applicable
888-don’t know
999-missing
1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-missing
126

f92k3

Please tell me about your biological brothers
and sisters who live elsewhere or have died, by
birth order. Alive or not.

Table G3. Early Life Conditions
Panel G3.1. Birthplace
Variable
a41

Wording of Question/Description
In which province were you born?

a42

Was the country (city) you were born in the
same as current address?

a43

Was the place of birth an urban area or rural
area (at time of birth)?

v_bthmon Validated birth month.

1-yes, living
2-no, not living
-1-not applicable
9-missing

Scale (if applicable)
(province)
11-bejing
12-tianjian
13-hebei
14-shanxi
15-inner mongolia
21-liaoning
22-jilin
23-helongjiang
31-shangai
32-jiangsu
33-zhejiang
34-anhui
35-fujian
36-jiangxi
37-shangdong
41-henan
42-hubei
43-hunan
44-guangdong
45-guangxi
46-hainan
50-chongqing
51-sichuan
52-guizhou
53-yunnan
61-shaanxi
62-gansu
64-ningxia
71-taiwan
90-north korea
91-south korea
93-indonesia
95-vietnam
96-others
98-don’t know
99-missing
1-same as current address
2-other city or country
9-missing
1-urban
2-rural
9-missing
127

v_bthyr

Validated birth year.

Variable
d6a

Wording of Question/Description
(d5: What kind of water do you usually drink?)
Such water was ____ in childhood?

f66

Did you frequently go to bed hungry as a child?

g102a

Length from the wrist to the shoulder.

g102b

Length from the right knee to the floor.

Panel G3.2. Childhood Health and Nutrition

Panel G3.3. Childhood SES
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
f63
Could you get adequate medical service when
you were sick in childhood?

f84

The main occupation of your father before age
60.

Table G4. Adult Lifestyle (see note A)
Panel G4.1. Adult Smoking
Variable
d71

Wording of Question/Description
Do you smoke at the present time?

d72

Did you smoke in the past?

d73

How old were you when you began to smoke?

Scale (if applicable)
1- from a well
2- from a river or lake
3- from a spring
4 from a pond or pool
5-tap water
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
8-did not answer (only for the
2002 new-added)
9-missing
(centimeters)
999-missing
(centimeters)
999-missing
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
3-not sick (only for the elderly
from 1998)
8-didn’t answer
9-missing
0-professional or technical
personnel
1-governmental, institutional or
managerial personnel
2-staff/service
worker/industrial worker
3-self-employed
4-agriculture, forestry, animal
husbandry, fishery
5-housewife
6-military personnel
7-unemployed
8-other, please specify
9-missing

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
(age)
128

d74

How old were you when you stopped smoking
if you don’t smoke at present?

d75

If you smoke at the present time (or smoked in
the past), how many times per day on average
do (or did) you smoke?

Panel G4.2. Adult Exercise (see note A)
Variable
d91

Wording of Question/Description
Do you do exercises regularly at present?

d92

Did you do exercises regularly in the past?

d93

How old were you when you began to do
exercises?

d94

How old were you when you were stopped
doing exercises if you don’t do exercises at
present?

d101

Have you done physical labor regularly?

d102

If yes, from which age?

d103

…to which age?

Panel G4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption
Variable
d81

Wording of Question/Description
Do you drink alcohol at the present time?

d82

Did you drink alcohol in the past?

d83

How old were you when you began to drink
alcohol?

d84

How old were you when you stopped drinking

-1-not applicable
888-don’t know
999-missing
(age)
-1-not applicable
888-don’t know
999-missing
(times)
-1-not applicable
888-don’t know
999-missing
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
(age)
-1-not applicable
888-don’t know
999-missing
(age)
-1-not applicable
888-don’t know
999-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
(from age)
-1-not applicable
888-missing
999-missing
(to age)
-1-not applicable
888-missing
999-missing
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
(age)
-1-not applicable
888-don’t know
999-missing
(age)
129

alcohol if you don’t drink alcohol at present?
d85

If you drink alcohol at the present time (or
drank in the past), what kind of alcohol do (or
did) you drink?

d86

If you drink alcohol at the present time (or
drank in the past), how much alcohol per day
on average do (or did) you drink?

Panel G4.4. Health Care Utilization (see note A)
Variable
f5

Wording of Question/Description
When you are sick, who usually takes care of
you?

f61

Do you get adequate medical service at
present?

f62

Could you get adequate medical service when
you were sick at around age 60?

f64

Mainly who pays for your medical costs?

f65

What’s the primary reason that you didn’t go to
the hospital when it was necessary?

-1-not applicable
888-don’t know
999-missing
1-very strong liquor (>38%)
2-not very strong liquor (<38%)
3-wine
4-rice wine
5-beer
6-others
-1-not applicable
9-missing
(liang)
-1-not applicable
88-don’t know
99-missing
Scale (if applicable)
0-spouse
1-son or daughter-in-law
2-daughter and son-in-law
3-son and daughter
4-grandchildren and their
spouses
5-other family members
6-friends
7-social service
8-matron
9-nobody
99-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
3-not sick (only for the elderly
from 1998 & 2000 waves)
9-missing
8-didn’t answer (only for the
2002 new-added
1-public medical care fund
2-self
3-family and children
4-others (please specify)
9-missing
-1-not applicable
1-no money to pay for expenses
2-far away
3-inconvenient in movement
4-nobody with whom to go
5-didn’t want to go
6-other
130

9-missing

Table G5. Adult Health Outcomes (see note A)
Panel G5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
b12

Wording of Question/Description
How do you rate your health at present?

The health of the interviewee as rated by the
interviewer

Scale (if applicable)
1-very good
2-good
3-so so
4-bad
5-very bad
8-not able to answer
1-surprisingly healthy
2-relatively healthy
3-moderately ill
4-very ill
9-missing

Panel G5.2. Anthropometric and Performance Measures (see note A)
Variable
g101
g51

Wording of Question/Description
Weight.
Systolic blood pressure.

g52

Diastolic blood pressure.

Can the interviewee use chopsticks to eat?

g81

Can interviewee put hand behind neck?

g82

Can interviewee put hand behind lower back?

g83

Can interviewee raise arms upright?

Can the interviewee stand up from sitting in a
chair?

g11

Was the interviewee able to pick up a book
from the floor?

g12

Was the interviewee able to turn around 360
degrees without help? If yes, please count the
number of steps required to finish the turn.

Scale (if applicable)
(kilograms)
(mm mercury)
999-missing
(mm mercury)
999-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-right
2-left
3-both
4-neither
9-missing
1-right
2-left
3-both
4-neither
9-missing
1-left
2-right
3-both
4-neither
9-missing
1-yes, without using hands
2-yes, using hands
3-no
9-missing
1-yes, standing
2-yes, sitting
3-no
9-missing
(steps)
88-no
99-missing
131

Panel G5.3. Functionality
Variable
e1

Wording of Question/Description
Bathing-either sponge bath, tub bath, shower
or washing the body.

Dressing-gets clothes from closets and
drawers—including underwear, outer garments
and fasteners (including suspenders, if worn)

Toilet-going to the toilet; cleaning oneself
afterwards.

Transfer.

Continence.

Feeding.

Can you visit your neighbors by yourself?

Can you go shopping by yourself?

Scale (if applicable)
1-receives no assistance
2-receives some assistance with
one part of the body
3-receives assistance with more
than one part of the body
9-missing
1-gets clothes and gets
completely dressed without
assistance
2-gets clothes and gets
assistance without assistance
except for tying shoes
3- receives assistance in
getting clothes or in getting
dressed, or stays partly or
completely undressed
9-missing
1-goes to the toilet, cleans self,
and arranges clothes without
assistance
2-receives assistance in going to
toilet or in cleaning self
afterwards or in use of bedpan
3- doesn’t use toilet
1-gets in and out of bed as well
as in and out of a chair without
assistance
2- gets in and out of bed or
chair w/ assistance
3-bedridden
1-has complete control of
urination and bowel movement
without assistance
2-has occasional accidents
3-supervision helps keep urine
or bowel control; catheter used
or elder incontinent
9-missing
1-feeds self without assistance
2-feeds self w/ some help
3-receives assistance in feeding
or is fed partly or completely
intravenously
9-missing
1-yes, independently
2-yes, needs some help
3-no, can’t
1-yes, independently
2-yes, needs some help
132

Can you cook a meal by yourself whenever
necessary?

e10

Can you wash clothing by yourself whenever
necessary?

e11

Can you walk continuously for 1 kilometer at a
time by yourself?

e12

Can you lift a weight of 5kg, such as a heavy
bag of groceries?

e13

Can you continuously crouch and stand up 3
times?

e14

Can you take public transport by yourself?

Panel G5.4. Chronic Conditions
Variable
g15a2

Wording of Question/Description
Are you suffering from hypertension?
Diagnosed by hospital?

g15b2

Are you suffering from diabetes? Diagnosed by
hospital?

g15c2

Are you suffering from heart disease?
Diagnosed by hospital?

g15d2

Are you suffering from stroke, cerebrovascular
disease? Diagnosed by hospital?

g15e2

Are you suffering from bronchitis, emphysema,
asthma, pneumonia? Diagnosed by hospital?

g15f2

Are you suffering from pulmonary
tuberculosis? Diagnosed by hospital?

g15i2

Are you suffering from cancer? Diagnosed by
hospital?

g15n2

Are you suffering from arthritis? Diagnosed by
hospital?

Panel G5.5. Adult Mortality
Variable
d5bedday

Wording of Question/Description
Days being bedridden before dying.

3-no, can’t
1-yes, independently
2-yes, needs some help
3-no, can’t
9-missing
1-yes, independently
2-yes, needs some help
3-no, can’t
1-yes, independently
2-yes, needs some help
3-no, can’t
9-missing
1-yes, independently
2-yes, needs some help
3-no, can’t
1-yes, independently
2-yes, needs some help
3-no, can’t
1-yes, independently
2-yes, needs some help
3-no, can’t
9-missing
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
1-yes
2-no
9-missing
Scale (if applicable)
(days)
133

d5bedrid

Bedridden or not before dying.

d5cargiv

Primary caregiver before dying.

d5cause

Main cause of death.

d5diday3

Days suffering from such disease at the last
time.

d5disea3

Name of disease suffering from at the last time.

-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
-8888-do not know
-9999-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
1-no
2-yes
9-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
1-spouse
2-children and their spouses
3-grandchildren and their
spouses
4-other family members
5-friends
6-social workers
7-nurse
8-nobody to take care
9-no need to take care
99-missing
(cause- please contact CLHLS
survey team for codes)
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
-88-do not know
-99-missing
(days)
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
-1-not applicable
-9999-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
-1-not applicable
1-hypertension
2-diabetes
3-heart disease
134

d5doctor

If the deceased elder lived in rural, was there a
doctor in the village?

d5dplace

Place of death.

d5financ

Main financial source before dying.

d5gener

Number of generations living in the household
when the elderly died.

4-stroke, CVD
5-bronchitis, emphysema,
asthma, pneumonia
6-pulmonary tuberculosis
7-cancer
8-cataract or glaucoma
9-prostrate tumor
10-gynecological disease
11-gastric or duodenal ulcer
12-parkinson’s disease
13-bedsore
14-dementia
15-psychosis
16-neurosis
17-arthritis
18-other
-88-don’t know
-99-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
-1-not applicable
1-no
2-yes
9-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
1-home
2-hospital
3-institution
4-others
9-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
1-retirement wage
2-spouse
3-children
4-grandchildren
5-other relatives
6-local government or
community
7-own work
8-others
9-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
135

d5ill

Number of times suffering from serious illness.

d5income

Yearly per capita income of the family of the
deceased elder.

d5licdoc

Did the village doctor have a license?

d5livarr

Primary living arrangement of the deceased
elder in the last year of life.

d5marry

Marital status of the deceased elder at death.

-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
1-one generation
2-two generations
3-three generations
4-four or more generations
9-missing
(number)
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
-88-do not know
-99-missing
(income)
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
99999-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
-1-not applicable
1-licensed with college degree
2-licensed without college
degree
3-unlicensed
9-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
1-institution
2-alone due to never married
3-alone due to widowed or
divorced
4-with spouse only
5-with married children and
grandchildren
6-with grandchildren only
7-with unmarried children and
offspring
8-other relatives
9-others
99-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
136

d5medica

Got timely medication before dying.

d5person

Number of people who are living with the
respondent before dying.

d5resid

Place of residence at death.

d5sex

Sex of the deceased person.

d5vday

Validated day of death of the sampled person.

d5vmonth

Validated month of death of the sampled
person.

d5vyear

Validated year of death of the sampled person.

1-married living with spouse
2-married but not living with
spouse
3-divorced
4-spouse dead
5-never married
9-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
1-yes
2-no
3-was not sick
9-missing
(number)
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
99-missing
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
1-city
2-town
3-rural
1-male
2-female
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
(day)
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
99-missing
(month)
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
99-missing
(year)
-9-lost to follow-up in the 2005
survey
-7-the deceased persons only,
not applicable to survivors
137

9999-missing
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above. Yi, Z.,
Vaupel, J.W., Zhenyu, X., Yuzi, L., & Chunyuan, Z. Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity
Survey (CLHLS), 1998-2005. ICPSR24901-v2. Center for the Study of Aging and Human
Development: Duke University. Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and
Social Research [distributor], accessed 2009-06-19.
http://centerforaging.duke.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115&Itemid
=152, http://centerforaging.duke.edu/survey-datasets.
Notes:
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Table G1. Section H includes questions for the interviewer.
Note A, Table G2. There is more information about the household members in section A of the
questionnaire. There are also several other questions regarding siblings included in section F.
Note A, Panel G2.4. There are questions (f7 and f8) regarding parental death (how old was the
respondent and how old their parents were when they died).
Note A, Table G4. There are questions on diet in Section D (D1-D6).
Note A, Panel G4.2. There are additional variables for physical activities including u143-u156.
Note A, Panel G4.4. It is unclear whether f65 is to visit the doctor or to visit the hospital.
Note A, Table G5. Section B of the questionnaire contains other variables on life evaluation and
personality. All of the chronic conditions have an additional question for self-reported illness
(e.g., g15a1). This is a way to determine the degree to which these self-reports are
underreported. Also associated with these questions are additional questions rating the
disability in daily life that can correspond with the functionality questions. There are many
questions about the deceased respondent in the section with variables starting with d5.
Note A, Panel G5.2. Section C of the questionnaire contains information on a mini mental
examination (a cognitive test). There are additional questions (g6 and g7) that ask about the
rhythm of the heart and heart rate.

138

Appendix H: Costa Rica-CRELES original variables

The tables below describe the original variables from the Bangladesh-MHSS survey that
were used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are
marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that
are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The
variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of
the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the Bangladesh data that
should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table H1. Respondent
Variable
am3

Wording of Question/Description
Interviewer: Is the interviewee…

am5

Of all the people who live here, who is the head
(“boss” or “in charge”) of the home? Note number of
the person in the register.
idsujeto
Respondent ID.
ponderador Sampling weight.
proxy
Proxy used?
URBAN

Living in urban area now.

Scale (if applicable)
1-able to respond to the
questionnaire
2-has serious
communication problems
(needs proxy)
(number)

0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes

Table H2. Demographics

Panel H2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
a3

Wording of Question/Description
What is your current marital status?

age
id4

How old is ____?
What is the interviewee’s sex?

Panel H2.2. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)
Variable
a1

Wording of Question/Description
Are you able to read and write a message?

a2a

What was the last level and grade of your formal

Scale (if applicable)
1-civil union
2-married
3-widow/er from civil union
4-widow/er from marriage
5-divorced
6-separated from civil
union
7-separated from marriage
8-never married or in union
9-dk/nr
(note age)
1-male
2-female
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-ns/nr
0-none
139

education that you completed?

a2b
am12

What was the last level and grade of your formal
education that you completed?
Do you receive a pension from social security or from
the government?

am13
h20

How many pensions do you receive?
During the last year, what has been your total monthly
income?

h21

Then would you say your monthly income is: More
than 170 thousand colones?

h22

Then would you say your monthly income is: More
than 80 thousand colones?

h23

Then would you say your monthly income is: More
than 250 thousand colones?

h24

During the last 12 months, what has been the total
monthly income of your spouse?

h25

Then would you say your spouse’s monthly income is:
More than 170 thousand colones?

h26

Then would you say your spouse’s monthly income is:
More than 80 thousand colones?

h27

Then would you say your spouse’s monthly income is:
More than 250 thousand colones?

j18

Does this house have a room just for cooking?

j19

What is the fuel most often used for cooking?

j20

Does this house have: Refrigerator?

j21

Does this house have: Landline telephone?

1-elementary
2-secondary, academic
3-secondary, technical
4-para-university
5-higher education
9-ns/nr
(years of study (grade))
1-yes
2-no
9-ns/ns
(number of pensions)
(income)
0-none
999-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
(income)
0-none
999-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-electricity
2-wood or charcoal
3-gas
4-other
5-none (doesn’t cook)
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
140

j23

Does this house have: Washing machine?

j24

Does this house have: Microwave?

j25

Does this house have: Computer?

j26

Does this house have: Potable water within the house?

j27

Does this house have: Toilet within the house?

j28

Does this house have: Television?

j29

Does this house have: Car?

j30

Interviewer, evaluate the state of: Exterior walls.

j31

Interviewer, evaluate the state of: Roof.

j32

Interviewer, evaluate the state of: Floor.

Panel H2.3. Family and Household
Variable
a16

Wording of Question/Description
Is your biological mother still living?

a17

How old is your mother/how old was she when she
died?
How many people live in this home?
Now I will ask you about your children. How many liveborn children did you have?

am4
am6
am7

In all, how many children are still alive?

1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
0-no
1-one
2-two
3-three or more
9-dk/nr
0-no
1-one
2-two
3-three or more
9-dk/nr
1-poor
2-fair
3-good
9-not able to evaluate
1-poor
2-fair
3-good
9-not able to evaluate
1-poor
2-fair
3-good
9-not able to evaluate
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
(age)
999-dk/nr
(number)
(number)
0-none
99-dk/nr
(number)
0-none
99-NS/NR
141

am8

How many grandchildren do you have?

(number of grandchildren)
98-98 or more
grandchildren
99-dk/nr

Table H3. Early Life Conditions
Panel H3.1. Birthplace
Variable
a22a

Wording of Question/Description
In which canton were you born?

a22b
a23

Which [other canton]?
How many years did you live in the place of your
birth?

a24a

Where did you live most of your life?

a24b
a25

Where did you live most of your life? Which other
canton of Costa Rica.
How many years have you been living here?

a26a

Where were you living in 1984?

a27a

Where were you living in 1973?

id2b

On what day, month and year were you born?

id2c

On what day, month and year were you born?

id3

How old are you?

Combines code for province and canton.

gam

Is respondent living in the greater San Jose
metropolitan area?

Scale (if applicable)
1-in this canton
2-other canton
3-Nicaragua
4-other country
9-dk/nr
(list)
(number of years)
97-all his/her life
99-dk/nr
1-in Costa Rica, in this
canton
2-other canton of Costa
Rica
3-other
4-Nicaragua
9-dk/nr
(list)
(years)
99-dk/nr
1-in Costa Rica, in this
canton
2-other canton of Costa
Rica
3-in another country
1-in Costa Rica, in this
canton
2-other canton of Costa
Rica
3-in another country
9-dk/nr
(month)
99-missing (possible
miscode)
(year)
0-possible miscode
9999-dk/nr
(years)
999-dk/nr

1- Yes
0- No
142

extranjero

foreigner

gamofbirth Was the respondent born in the greater San Jose
metropolitan area?

Panel H3.2. Childhood Health
Variable
a18

Wording of Question/Description
What is (was) the level of education of your mother?

in2

How was your health for the majority of your
childhood and adolescence?

in3

Did you have tuberculosis when you were a child or
adolescent?

in4

Did you have rheumatic fever when you were a child
or adolescent?

in5

Did you have poliomyelitis when you were a child or
adolescent?

in6

Did you have malaria when you were a child or
adolescent?

in7

Did you have asthma or chronic bronchitis when you
were a child or adolescent?

in8

During the first 15 years of your life, did your home
have a bathroom or latrine?

in9

During the first 15 years of your life, did you wear
shoes regularly?

Panel H3.3. Childhood Nutrition
Variable
c48a

Wording of Question/Description
Is there someone in your family who has or had
diabetes? A parent?

c48b

Is there someone in your family who has or had
diabetes? A sibling?

c48c

Is there someone in your family who has or had
diabetes? A grandparent?

ev17

What is your current height?

1- Yes
0- No
1- Yes
0- No
Scale (if applicable)
1-none
2-elementary
3-secondary
4-higher education
9-dk/nr
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-poor
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
(height in centimeters)
143

k4b

Height.

k4c

Height.

k5b

Height of the knee.

k5c

Height of the knee.

k6b

Circumference of the waist.

k6c

Circumference of the waist.

k7b

Circumference of the hip.

k7c

Circumference of the hip.

Panel H3.4. Childhood SES
Variable
in1

in10

Wording of Question/Description
During the first 15 years of your life, did your family
have problems or economic hardships that did not
allow you to eat regularly, dress adequately or get
necessary medical care?
During the first 15 years of your life, did your home
have electricity?

in11

During the first 15 years of your life, where did you
sleep?

in12

During the first 15 years of your life, did you live
with your biological father?

999-dk/nr
height (mm)
996-refused
997-attempted but unable
998-not attempted
height (mm)
996-refused
997-attempted but unable
998-not attempted
height (mm)
996-refused
997-attempted but unable
998-not attempted
height (mm)
996-refused
997-attempted but unable
998-not attempted
circumference (mm)
996-refused
997-attempted but unable
998-not attempted
circumference (mm)
996-refused
997-attempted but unable
998-not attempted
circumference (mm)
996-refused
997-attempted but unable
998-not attempted
circumference (mm)
996-refused
997-attempted but unable
998-not attempted
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-on the floor
2-on a bed alone
3-on a shared bed
4-other
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr

144

Table H4. Adult Lifestyle (see note A)
Panel H4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
ev8

Wording of Question/Description
Have you smoked more than 100 cigarettes or cigars in
your life?

ev10

Do you smoke now?

Panel H4.2. Adult Exercise
Variable
ev14

Wording of Question/Description
In the last 12 months, did you exercise regularly or do
other physically rigorous activities like sports, jogging,
dancing, or heavy work, three times a week?

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr

Wording of Question/Description
Have you ever drank alcoholic drinks on a regular
basis?

Scale (if applicable)
1-drinks occasionally
2-drinks daily
3-drinks only on special
occasions
4-does not currently drink
but drank in the past
5-have never drunk
9-dk/nr

Panel H4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption (see note A)
Variable
ev1

Panel H4.4. Health Care Utilization
Variable
f1

Wording of Question/Description
In the last 12 months, has someone from the EBAIS
health team visited you?

f10

How many appointments or health care visits with a
doctor did you have in the last 3 months?

f15

When was the most recent doctor’s appointment?

f16

Who attended to you in your last visit?

f18a

How long does it take you to get from your home to the
place of the office visit?
How long does it take you to get from your home to the

f18b

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
0-none
(number)
99-dk/nr
1-less than one month
2-from one to three months
3-from four to six months
4-from seven to eleven
months
5-from one year to less than
two years
6-from two to four years
7-five or more years
9-dk/nr
1-doctor
2-nurse
3-pharmacist
4-other professional
5-other practitioner
9-dk/nr
(hours)
99-NS/NR
(minutes)
145

place of the office visit?

99-NS/NR

Table H5. Adult Health Outcomes (see note A)
Panel H5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
c1

Wording of Question/Description
How would you say your health is now: Excellent,
Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor

How would you say your health is in comparison
with other people of your age? Better, equal, worse?

(Show card.) Now we are going to use a card from
which you can choose a number from 1 to 7 to
evaluate your state of health, wherein 7 signifies
excellent health and 1 poor health. Please choose a
number which best describes your state of health.

Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-fair
5-poor
9-dk/nr
1-better
2-equal
3-worse
9-dk/nr
(number)
1-poor health
7-excellent health
9-dk/nr

Panel H5.2. Anthropometric and Performance Measures (see note A)
Variable
k3b

Wording of Question/Description
Weight (in lbs.).

k3c

Weight (in lbs.).

ev15a

What is your current weight?

ev15b

What is your current weight?

c138a

Now, if you will allow me I will check your
blood pressure from your arm.
Now, if you will allow me I will check your
blood pressure from your arm.
Now, if you will allow me I would like to take
your blood pressure.
Now, if you will allow me I would like to take
your blood pressure.
Have the interviewee sit for at least 3
minutes before the first measurement, on
the dominant arm, then wait for another
three minutes before the second
measurement on the same arm. (see labels
for k13 variants below)
Dynamometer (kgs).
Dynamometer (kgs).
Dynamometer (kgs).

c138b
h28a
h28b
k13 (a-c)

k13a
k13b
k13c

Scale (if applicable)
weight (decimal)
996-refused
997-attempted but unable
998-not attempted
weight (decimal)
996-refused
997-attempted but unable
998-not attempted
(weight in kilograms)
999-dk/nr
(weight in pounds)
999-dk/nr
(systolic)
999/999-unable to measure
(diastolic)
999/999-unable to measure
(first reading)
999/999-unable to be taken
(second reading)
999/999-unable to be taken
95-tried but unable
96-not attempted for safety
97-interviewee disabled
98-refused to do it
(right hand)
(right hand, whole)
(right hand, decimal)
146

k14 (a-c)

Second time. (see labels for k13 variants
below)

k14a
k14b
k14c
k15

Dynamometer (kgs).
Dynamometer (kgs).
Dynamometer (kgs).
Hand strength (dynamometer, kgs). Note
which hand was used.
Spirometry. Preferably, this test should be
conducted while standing. This test
measures how fast you are able to exhale the
air in your lungs. It is important that you
blow as strong and fast as you can; we will
do it three times. (see labels for k16 variants
below)
Spirometry.
Spirometry.
Spirometry.
Do you have any problems that would impair
you from doing a mobility and flexibility
test?
Please stand with your feet together for ten
seconds, keeping your eyes open. Stay in
that position until I ask you to move. (see
labels for l2 variants below)

k16 (a-c)

k16a
k16b
k16c
l1
l2 (a-c)

l2a
l2b
l2c
l3 (a-c)

l3a
l3b
l3c
l3d
l3e
l5 (a-c)

Stand up.
Stand up.
Stand up.
While keeping your arms crossed on your
chest, please stand up as quickly as you can,
five times without stopping. Inform the
interviewee when to start. If she/he is
unable to do it in less than 30 seconds, do
not allow him/her to continue and note the
number of attempts. (see labels for l3
variants below)
Stand up with arms folded.
Stand up with arms folded.
Stand up with arms folded.
Chair height.
Number of attempts.
Bending over and picking up a pencil. From
a standing position, please bend over and
pick up a pencil and straighten yourself up.
Interviewer: Put the pencil on the floor in
front of the interviewee and let them know
when to begin. If the interviewee is not able
to do it in less than 30 seconds, do not allow
them to continue. (see labels for l5 variants

95-tried but unable
96-not attempted for safety
97-interviewee disabled
98-refused to do it
(left hand)
(left hand, whole)
(left hand, decimal)
(whole, decimal)
(first reading, L/min)
(second reading, L/min)
(third reading, L/min)
999-unable to complete

(first reading)
(second reading)
(third reading)
1-yes
2-no
95-tried, but unable
96-not attempted for safety
98-refused to do it
(duration of exercise in seconds)
(duration of exercise in hundredths)
(seconds)
(hundredths)
95-tried, but unable
96-not attempted for safety
98-refused to do it
(number of attempts)
(duration of exercise in seconds)
(duration of exercise in hundredths)
(height of chair in centimeters)
(seconds)
(hundredths)
(height)
(number)
95-tried, but unable to do it
96-not attempted for safety
98-refused to do it
(duration of exercise in seconds)
(duration of exercise in hundredths)

147

l6a
l6b
l6c

below)
Pick up pencil.
Pick up pencil.
Pick up pencil.
Standing up and walking. From a sitting
position on a chair, please stand up and walk
to the location I indicate to you. Interviewer:
the distance to walk is 3 meters. (See labels
for l6 variants below).
Stand up and walk.
Stand up and walk.
Stand up and walk.

Variable
d1

Wording of Question/Description
Are you able to walk?

Is it difficult for you to walk a few blocks?

Is it difficult for you to climb up a few stories
by stairway without resting?

Is it difficult for you to push or pull a large
object such as a recliner chair?

Please stand up and lift your arm(s) above
your shoulder(s).

Is it difficult for you to walk from one side of
the room to the other?

Is it difficult for you to bathe yourself,
including entering and exiting the bath tub?

d11

Do you have difficulty in eating, including
cutting your food, pouring drinks into
glasses, etc.?
Do you have difficulty getting in or out of
bed?

l5a
l5b
l5c
l6 (a-c)

Panel H5.3. Functionality (see note A)

d13
d16
d19

Do you have difficulty in using the
bathroom, including sitting or getting up
from the toilet?
Do you have difficulty cutting your toenails?

(seconds)
(hundredths)
95-tried, but unable
96-not attempted for safety
98-refused to do it
(duration of exercise in seconds)
(duration of exercise in hundredths)
(seconds)
(hundredths)
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
1-yes
2-no
3-not able
4-does not do it
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
3-not able
4-does not do it
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
3-not able
4-does not do it
9-dk/nr
1-lifted them completely
2-lifted them partially
3-not able to lift them
4-did not attempt the test
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
148

d21

Do you have difficulty in preparing a hot
meal?

d23

Do you have difficulty managing your own
money?

d25

Do you have difficulty in shopping (for
example, food or clothes)?

d27

Do you have difficulty taking your
medications?

Panel H5.4. Chronic Conditions
Variable
c4

Wording of Question/Description
Has a physician ever told you that you have
high blood pressure (hypertension)?

c10

Has a physician ever told you that you have
diabetes (high levels of sugar in the blood)?

c11a

How old were you when you were first told
that you had diabetes?
How old were you when you were first told
that you had diabetes?
Are you taking pills to control your diabetes?

c11b
c12
c13

Are you using insulin injections to control
your diabetes?

c14

How often do you measure your blood sugar
levels yourself?

c15

How often do you have medical check-ups
for your diabetes?

c16

Did this problem make you change your
daily activities in home or at work?

2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
8-dk
9-nr
1-yes
2-no
8-dk
9-nr
(age)
9999-dk/nr
(year)
9999-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-yes
2-no
9-dk/nr
1-more than once a day
2-once a day
3-once per week
4-less than once per week
5-never
7-other
8-dk
9-nr
1-once every 3 months
2-once every 6 months
3-once a year
4-less than once per year
5-does not have check-ups
8-dk
9-nr
1-very much
2-little
149

c17

c18

c22

c26
c32

c33a
c33b
c35

c41

c44

DIABGLUCCONTROL
DIABHEMO

3-none
9-dk/nr
When was the last time that a physician did
1-less than 6 months
a test to know if you had sugar in your
2-from 6 to 11 months
blood?
3-from 1 to 2 years
4-more than 2 years
5-never
8-dk
9-nr
Has a physician ever told you that you have
1-yes
cancer or a malignant tumor, not including
2-no
small skin tumors?
8-dk
9-nr
Has a physician ever told you that you have a 1-yes
chronic respiratory or pulmonary disease,
2-no
like emphysema, tuberculosis, asthma or
8-dk
chronic bronchitis?
9-nr
Has a physician ever told you that you have
1-yes
had a heart attack?
2-no
9-dk/nr
Has a physician ever told you that you have a 1-yes
heart disease without having a heart attack? 2-no
8-dk
9-nr
How old were you when this heart problem
(age)
was diagnosed?
9999-dk/nr
How old were you when this heart problem
(year)
was diagnosed?
9999-dk/nr
Has a physician even told you that you have
1-yes
had a stroke?
2-no
8-dk
9-nr
Has a physician ever told you that you have
1-yes
arthritis, rheumatism or arthrosis?
2-no
8-dk
9-nr
Has a physician ever told you that you have
1-yes
osteoporosis (bone fragility)?
2-no
8-dk
9-nr
Diabetes measured by level of glucose (SG ≥ 0-not diabetic
126 mg/dL). SG is the respondent’s fasting
1-controlled diabetic
serum glucose.
2-uncontrolled diabetic
3-hidden diabetic
Diabetes measured by level of glycosylated
0-not diabetic
hemoglobin (HbA1C ≥ 6.5%).
1-controlled diabetic
2-uncontrolled diabetic
3-hidden diabetic

Panel H5.5. Adult Mortality
Variable
muerto

Wording of Question/Description
Respondent is either dead or assumed to be

Scale (if applicable)
1=dead, 0=alive
150

alive.
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above. RoseroBixby, L., Fernándex, X., & Dow, W.H. CRELES: Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging
Study, 2005 (Costa Rica Estudio de Longevidad y Envejecimiento Saludable). ICPSR26681-v2.
Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research; Costa Rica: The
Central American Population Center [distributor], accessed 2007-07-09.
http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/NACDA/studies/26681/version/2.
Notes:
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Panel H2.2. There are other questions about housing, including home ownership (j1-j17)
in the questionnaire.
Note A, Table H4. There are several questions available in the questionnaire regarding adult
diet.
Note A, Panel H4.1. There are other questions about smoking (ev9, ev11-ev13) in the
questionnaire.
Note A, Panel H4.3. There are several other questions about drinking (ev2-ev7) in the
questionnaire.
Note A, Table H5. There are several symptom questions (c84-c100) that could be related to
diabetes included in the questionnaire. There are also several questions relating to well-being
(c119-c127) and questions relating to preventive care (c128-c134).
Note A, Panel H5.2. There is a cognitive evaluation in Section B of Round 1 of the Costa Rican
survey. WHO recommends serum glucose levels to identify diabetes while hemoglobin levels are
used to control treatment (see Brenes, 2008).
Note A, Panel H5.3. There are additional questions about whether or not the respondent uses an
apparatus or gets assistance in performing these activities.

151

Appendix I: England-ELSA original variables
The tables below describe the original variables from the England-ELSA survey that
were used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are
marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that
are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The
variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of
the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the England data that
should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table I1. Respondent (see note A)
Variable
askpx1

Wording of Question/Description
Identifies proxy interviews.

cpid
finstat

Person number of partner.
Final status of respondent after Wave 2 interview.

hseyr
iapid

HSE source survey year.
Identifies which financial unit member answered
questions from IA.
Wave-specific (wave 1) household serial number.
Wave-specific (wave 2) household serial number.
Wave-specific (wave 1) individual serial number.
Wave-specific (wave 2) individual serial number.
Unique individual serial number.
Used for weighting (non-response weight multiplied
by Wave 1 weight, scaled to ensure average of 1 and
that weight total sample size equaled unweighted).
Weight for nurse data (excluding blood sample
analyses).

idahhw1
idahhw2
idaindw1
idaindw2
idauniq
w2wgt
w2wtnur

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes; proxy
0-no; self-interview
-1-not applicable
C1CM-core sample member
C1CP-core partner
C1YP-younger partner (who
responded at Wave 1)
C1YP_unprod-younger partner
(who did not respond at Wave 1)
C1NP1-new partner (found at
Wave 1 who responded at Wave 1)
C1NP1_unprod-new partner
(found at Wave 1 who did not
respond at Wave 1)
C1NP2-new partner (found at
Wave 2)
-1-not applicable
(five digit serial number)
(five digit serial number)
(individual serial number)
(individual serial number)
(number)

(weight)

Table I2. Demographics (see note A)

Panel I2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
dimar

Wording of Question/Description
What is [your/name’s] current legal marital
status?

Scale (if applicable)
1-single, that is never married
2-married, first and only marriage
3-remarried, second or later
152

indager

indsex

Computed from date of birth (indob) and date of
interview (intdat), both of which have been
dropped from the dataset. All respondents over
age 90 have been classified as 99 years old for
confidentiality reasons.
Definitive sex variable.

Panel I2.2. Ethnicity, Race and Language
Variable
fqethnr

Wording of Question/Description
Can I check, to which of the groups on this card
do you consider that [you/name] belong?

marriage
4-legally separated
5-divorced
6-widowed
-8-don’t know
(list)
99-age on or before 29/02/1914
collapsed
1-male
2-female
Scale (if applicable)
1-white
2-non-white-9-refusal
-8-don’t know

Panel I2.3. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)
Variable
edqual (wave
1)

Wording of Question/Description
Highest educational qualification.

eqtotinc_bu
sclddr

Benefit unit equalized total income.
Think of this ladder as representing where people
stand in our society. At the top of the ladder are
the people who are the best off – those who have
the most money, most education and best jobs.
At the bottom are the people who are the worst
off – who have the least money, least education
and the worst jobs or no jobs. The higher up you
are on this ladder, the closer you are to people at
the very top and the lower you are, the closer you
are to people at the very bottom. Please mark a
cross on the rung on the ladder where you would
place yourself.
Highest educational qualification.

topqual3
(wave 0)

Scale (if applicable)
1- NVQ4/NVQ5 degree or
equivalent
2-higher education below degree
3-NVQ3/GCE a level equivalent
4-NVQ2/GCE o level equivalent
5-NVQ1/CSE other grade
equivalent
6-foreign/other
7-no qualification
-1-not applicable
-8-don’t know
-9-refusal
-3-not imputed
(range 0-100)
5-worst off
100-best off
-9-not answered
-1-not applicable

1-NVQ4/NVQ5 degree or
equivalent
2-higher education below degree
3-NVQ3/GCE a level equivalent
4-NVQ2/GCE o level equivalent
5-NVQ1/CSE other grade
equivalent
153

totinc_bu

Benefit unit total income.

Variable
dhnch

Wording of Question/Description
In total, how many [BLANK/other] living
children do you have? IF ASKED: Step, foster
and adoptive children can be included.
How many living grandchildren or greatgrandchildren [do you/does [name]] have?

Panel I2.4. Family and Household

dignmy,
dignmyW2
dignmyc

digran,
digranW2
disib
hhtot

Last time we interviewed [you/Name] on [date of
last interview], [you/he/she] told us that
[you/he/she] had [number of grandchildren or
great-grandchildren reported at last interview]
living grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Is
this still the case?
[Do you/Does name] have any living
grandchildren or great-grandchildren?
How many living brothers or sisters [do you/does
name] have? IF ASKED: Foster/adoptive/stepbrothers/sisters can be included.
Number of people in household/computed.

6-foreign/other
7-no qualification
-1-item not applicable
-3-not imputed
Scale (if applicable)
(number, range: 0-20)
-1-not applicable
(number, range: 0-97)
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
(number, range: 0-97)
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable

Table I3. Early Life Conditions
Panel I3.1. Birthplace
Variable
fqcbthr,
fqcbthrW2

Wording of Question/Description
In which country [were you/was [name]] born?

indobyr

Definitive year of date of birth.

pobr

Country of birth.

countrr

Country of birth.

fqcbthr

Country of birth.

Scale (if applicable)
1-England
2-Scotland
3-Wales
4-Northern Ireland
5-Republic of Ireland
6-Elsewhere outside of UK
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
-7-DOBcollapsed to avoid
disclosure if respondent at 90 plus
1-England
2-Elsewhere
1-England
2-Elsewhere
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
1-England
2-Elsewhere
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
154

Panel I3.2. Childhood Nutrition (see note A)
Variable
bmi

Wording of Question/Description
BMI - inc. unreliable measurements (kg/m^2).

bmiobe

Valid BMI grouped according to WHO
definitions.

bmiok

Whether BMI measure is valid.

bmival

Valid BMI – inc. estimated>130kg.

hipokb

Whether hip measurements are valid.

hipval

Valid mean hip.

htok

Whether height measure is valid.

htval

Valid height.

sithgt

Nurse: Record sitting height (in centimeters).

wstokb

Whether waist measurements are valid.

-1-not applicable
Scale (if applicable)
(BMI)
-1-not applicable
1-under 18.5, underweight
2-18.5 or over but less than 25,
normal range
3-25 or over but less than 30, preobese
4-30 or over but less than 35,
obese class I
5-35 or over but less than 40obese class II
6-40 or over, obese class III
-1-not applicable
1-valid (according to nurse)
2-height/weight not usable (not
valid according to nurse)
3-height/weight refused
4-height/weight attempted but
not obtained
5-height/weight not attempted
(BMI)
-1-not applicable
1-usable 1st & 2nd measurements
2-usable 1st & 3rd measurements
3-usable 2nd & 3rd measurements
4-usable 1st & 2nd & 3rd
measurements
5-not usable: unreliable
(according to nurse)
6-not usable: difference > 3cm
7-partial response
8-refused
9-not attempted
(centimeters)
-1-not applicable
1-valid (according to nurse)
2-height not usable (not valid
according to nurse)
3-refused
4-attempted but not obtained
5-not attempted
(centimeters)
-1-not applicable
(centimeters)
-1-not applicable
1-usable 1st & 2nd measurements
2-usable 1st & 3rd measurements
3-usable 2nd & 3rd measurements
155

wstval

Valid mean waist.

Panel I3.3. Childhood SES
Variable
difjob,
difjobW2

Wording of Question/Description
What was [your/name’s] [main
carer’s/father’s/step father’s/foster
father’s/adoptive father’s/mother’s] main
occupation when [you were/he was/she was] 14?

4-usable 1st & 2nd & 3rd
measurements
5-not usable: unreliable
(according to nurse)
6-not usable: difference > 3cm
7-partial response
8-refused
9-not attempted
(centimeters)
-1-not applicable
Scale (if applicable)
01-armed forces
02-manager or senior official in
someone else’s business
03-running his own business
04-professional or technical
05-administrative, clerical or
secretarial
06-skilled trade
07-caring, leisure, travel or
personal services
08-sales or customer service
09-plant, process or machine
drivers or operators
10-other jobs
11-something else
12-casual jobs
13-retired
14-unemployed
15-sick/disabled
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable

Table I4. Adult Lifestyle

Panel I4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
smkevr

Wording of Question/Description
Have you ever smoke cigarettes, pipe, or cigar?

hesmk

Have you ever smoked cigarettes?

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
-9-no answer/refused
-8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-4-did respond at W1 but were
asked
-3-did not respond at w1 but were
not asked
156

heska,
heskaW2

[Do you/Does name] smoke cigarettes at all
nowadays?

Panel I4.2. Adult Exercise
Variable
heacta

Wording of Question/Description
[Show card S.] We would like to know the type and
amount of physical activity involved in your daily
life. Do you take part in sports or activities that are
vigorous…[Interviewer: Read out…]

heactb

[Show card S.] And do you take part in sports or
activities that are moderately
energetic…[Interviewer: Read out…]

heactc

[Show card S.] And do you take part in sports of
physical activities that are mildly
energetic…[Interviewer: Read out…]

Panel I4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption (see note A)
Variable
scako

Wording of Question/Description
Thinking now about all kinds of drink, how often
have you had an alcoholic drink of any kind in the
last 12 months?

scal7a

Did you have an alcoholic drink in the seven days
ending yesterday?

scal7b

On how many days out of the last seven did you
have an alcoholic drink?

scdri01-

Please tick all drinks drunk on that day.

-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-1-not applicable
-8 don’t know
Scale (if applicable)
1-…more than once a week,
2-once a week,
3-one to three times a month,
4-hardly ever, or never?
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-…more than once a week,
2-once a week,
3-one to three times a month,
4-hardly ever, or never?
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-…more than once a week,
2-once a week,
3-one to three times a month,
4-hardly ever, or never?
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
Scale (if applicable)
1-almost every day
2-five or six days a week
3-three or four days a week
4-once or twice a week
5-once or twice a month
6-once every couple of months
7-once or twice a year
8-not at all in the last 12 months
-9-not answered
-1-item not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-9-not answered
-1-item not applicable
1-one
2-two
3-three
4-four
5-five
6-six
7-seven
-9-not answered
-1-item not applicable
(number of ticks)
157

scdri08

scdri01 - Normal strength beer, lager, stout, cider or
shandy (less than 6% alcohol)-excludes bottles/cans
of shandy.

0-no
1-yes
-9-not answered
-1-item not applicable

scdri02 - Strong beer, lager, stout or cider (6%
alcohol or more, such as Tennants, Extra, Special
Brew, Diamond White).
scdri03 - Spirits or liqueurs, such as gin, whisky,
rum, brandy, vodka, or cocktails.
scdri04 - Sherry or martini (including port,
vermouth, cinzano, dubonnet).
scdri05 - Wine (including babycham and
champagne).
scdri06 - Alcoholic soft drinks or ‘alcopops’ (such as
Bacardi Breezer, Smirnoff Ice).

Table I5. Adult Health Outcomes
Panel I5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
hehelf

Wording of Question/Description
Now I would like to ask you some questions about
your health. Would you say your health
is…INTERVIEWER: Read out…

Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-fair
5-poor
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable

Panel I5.2. Anthropometric and Performance Measures (see note A)
Variable
wtok

Wording of Question/Description
Whether weight measure is valid.

wtval

Valid weight (Kg) inc. estimated>130kg.

bprespc

Whether BP readings are valid—not ate, drank,
smoked or exercised recently.

Scale (if applicable)
1-valid (according to nurse)
2-weight not usable (not valid
according to nurse)
3-refused
4-attempted but not obtained
5-not attempted
(kilograms)
-1-not applicable
1-valid blood pressure
measurement
2-ate, drank, smoked, exercised in
previous half hour
3-not known if ate, drank,
smoked, or exercised
4-three valid readings not
obtained
5-refused, attempted but not
158

dias

Enter [first/second/third] diastolic reading
(mmHg).

diaval

Valid mean diastolic blood pressure.

fev1 –
fev3

Enter FEV reading. If no reading obtained enter
‘0.’

fvc1 –
fvc3

Enter FVC reading. If no reading obtained enter
‘0.’ If you are not going to obtain any readings at
all enter ‘9.95.’

pf1 –
pf3

Enter PF reading. If no reading obtained enter ‘0.’

sys1 –
sys3

Nurse: Take three measurements from right arm.
Enter [first/second/third] systolic reading
(mmHg).

sysval

Valid mean systolic blood pressure.

mmssstt

When I want you to start, I will say: ‘Ready, begin.’
Nurse: Ask the respondent to stand up. Stand to
the side of the respondent. Say: ‘Ready, begin!’
Press the start button to start the stopwatch as
soon as the respondent gets into the position and
removes their hand from the support. If necessary,
provide gentle support to the respondent’s arm to
help [him/her] into the side-by-side stand. Say:
‘Ready, begin!’ and then let go of [his/her] arm.
Stop the stopwatch and say ‘Stop’ after 10 seconds
or when the participant steps out of position or
grabs your arm. Nurse: Press 1 and Enter to
continue.
Nurse: Record the outcome of the side-by-side
stand.

mmssre
mmssti

Nurse: Record the time in seconds to two decimal
places (enter the large numbers on the stopwatch
display before the decimal point and the small

obtained, not attempted
(mmHg)
999-not obtained
996-not getting blood pressure
readings
(mmHg)
-1-either invalid or incomplete set
of BP readings obtained
(FEV reading)
-9-no answer/refusal
-3-few value likely to have been
erroneous reading of fev/fvc
-2-no reading obtained
-1-not applicable
(FVC reading in litres)
-9-no answer/refusal
-2-no reading obtained
-1-not applicable
(range 0-995)
-9-no answer/refusal
-8-don’t know
-2-no reading obtained
-1- not applicable
(mmHg)
999-not obtained
996-not getting blood pressure
readings
-2-no reading obtained
-1-not applicable
(mmHg)
-1-either invalid or incomplete set
of bg readings obtained
(range 1-10)

1-held for 10 seconds
2-held for less than 10 seconds
3-not attempted
(time in seconds to two decimal
places)
-1-not applicable
159

mmloint

mmlostt

mmlore

numbers after it). Use the full stop as the decimal
point, e.g. 6.55.
Nurse: First explain and then demonstrate the leg
raise to the respondent: 'Now I will show you the
next movement. I want you to try to stand on one
leg, whichever one you want, and raise the other
leg off the ground a few inches. Stand for as long
as you can - I will stop you at 30 seconds. You may
use your arms, bend your knees, or move your
body to maintain your balance, but try not to move
your feet. Try to hold this position until I tell you
to stop. You may support yourself on a chair, table
or wall while getting into position.' NURSE: Make
sure there is a firm support nearby and allow the
respondent to practice. Press <1> and to
continue.
When I want you to start, I will say: 'Ready, begin'.
NURSE: Ask the respondent to stand up near to a
firm support, e.g., wall or chair. Stand to the side
of the respondent. SAY: 'Ready, begin!' Press the
start button to start the stopwatch as soon as the
respondent raises one foot off the ground and
removes their hand from the support. If necessary,
provide gentle support to the respondent's arm to
help [^him / her] into position. SAY: 'Ready,
begin!' and then let go of [^his / her] arm. Stop the
stopwatch and say 'Stop!' either A) when the
raised leg touches the floor as the respondent loses
[^his / her] balance or B) after 30 seconds,
whichever happens first. Press <1> and to
continue.
Nurse: Record the outcome of the leg raise.

mmloti

Leg raise (eyes open): time leg raise held
(seconds).

mmgswil

Now I would like to assess the strength of your
hand in gripping action. I will count up to three
and then ask you to squeeze this handle as hard as
you can just for two or three seconds and then let
go. Nurse: demonstrate. Read out: I will take
alternately three measurements from your right
and your left hand. Would you be willing to have
your handgrip measured?
Nurse: Ask or code: Which is your dominant
hand?

mmgsdom
mmgssta

Can I just check, have you had a recent hand injury

(range 1..1)

1-held for 30 seconds
2-held for less than 30 seconds
3-not attempted
-1-ineligible: over 70 years/not
held side-by-side for 10 seconds
(time in seconds to two decimal
places)
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
3-unable to take measurement

1-right hand
2-left hand
-1-not applicable
1-respondent has the use of both
160

or surgery to either hand within the last six
months? Nurse: If yes, do not attempt grip
strength measure with affected hand(s). If
respondent cannot use hand(s) for this or any
other reason, code below. Record respondent
status.

mmgsd1
mmgsn1
mmgsd2
mmgsn2
mmgsd3

Nurse: (left/right (dominant)) hand, first
measurement. Say: “One, two, three, squeeze!”
Enter to nearest whole value.
Nurse: (left/right (non-dominant) hand, first
measurement. Say: “One, two, three, squeeze!”
Enter to nearest whole value.
Nurse: (left/right (dominant)) hand, second
measurement. Say: “One, two, three, squeeze!”
Enter to nearest whole value.
Nurse: (left/right (non-dominant)) hand, second
measurement. Say: “One, two, three, squeeze!”
Enter to nearest whole value.
Nurse: (left/right (dominant)) hand, third
measurement. Say: “One, two, three, squeeze!”
Enter to nearest whole value.

mmgsn3

Nurse: (left/right (non-dominant)) hand, third
measurement. Say: “One, two, three, squeeze!”
Enter to nearest whole value.

mmgstp

Nurse: record respondent’s position.

mmgsres

Number of grip strength measurements obtained

mmgspr1,
mmgspr2

Nurse: give reasons why no or only some measures
were obtained. Code all that apply. Multiple
responses recorded in variables mmgspr1 to
mmgspr2.

mmbcsc

Nurse: check respondent’s status and availability.
Ask: “Do you have any problems from recent
surgery, injury or other health condition that
might prevent you from standing up from a chair
or balancing?”
Do you feel that would be safe?

mmsssc

hands
2-respondents is unable to use
(left/right (dominant)) hand
3-respondent is unable to use
(left/right (non-dominant)) hand
4-respondent is unable to use
either hand – test stopped
5-respondent is unwilling or
unable to do test – test stopped
(0-100)
-1-not applicable
(0-100)
-1-not applicable
(0-100)
-1-not applicable
(0-100)
-1-not applicable
(0-100)
-9-no answer/refusal
-8- don’t know
-1-not applicable
(0-100)
-9-no answer/refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-standing without arm support
2-sitting without arm support
3-standing with arm support
4-sitting with arm support
-1-not applicable
1-all measures obtained
2-some measures obtained
3-no measures obtained
-1-not applicable
1-respondent refusal
2-respondent in pain in
hand/joints/muscles
3-equipment failure
95-other (specify in mmgspro)
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no

1-yes
2-no
161

mmssna

Nurse: Record reason side-by-side stand was not
attempted.

mmstsc

Do you feel that would be safe?

mmstre

Nurse: record the outcome of the semi-tandem
stand.

mmstti

Nurse: record the time in seconds to two decimal
places. Enter the large numbers on the stopwatch
display before the decimal point and the small
numbers after it. Use the full stop as the decimal
point.
Nurse: code the reason why semi-tandem stand
was not attempted.

mmstna

mmftsc

Do you feel that would be safe?

mmftre,
mmftre2

Nurse: record the outcome of the full tandem
stand. Variable mmftre2 indicates whether the
respondent held the full tandem stand for 10 or 30
seconds (which depended on their age).

1-tried but unable
2-participant could not hold
position unassisted
3-not attempted, you felt unsafe
4-no attempted, participant felt
unsafe
5-participant unable to
understand instructions
6-other reason
7-participant refused
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-1-not applicable
1-held for 10 seconds, respondent
aged 70 or over
2-held for less than 10 seconds,
respondent
aged 70 or over
3-held for 30 seconds, respondent
aged
less than 70
4-held for less than 30 seconds,
respondent
aged less than 70
5-stand not attempted
-1-ineligible-did not hold semitandem stand
162

mmftti

mmftna

mmlosc

Leg raise (eyes open): whether respondent feels it
is safe to attempt it

mmlona

Nurse: record reason leg raise was not attempted.

mmlssc

Leg raise (eyes shut): whether respondent feels it
is safe to attempt it.

mmlsre

Nurse: record the outcome of the leg raise with
eyes shut.

mmlsti

Nurse: record the time in seconds to two decimal
places. Enter the large numbers on the stopwatch
display before the decimal point and the small
numbers after it. Use the full stop as the decimal
point.
Nurse: record reason leg raise with eyes shut was
not attempted.

mmlsna

for ten seconds
-1-not applicable

1-tried but unable
2-participant could not hold
position unassisted
3-not attempted, you felt unsafe
4-not attempted, participant felt
unsafe
5-participant unable to
understand instructions
6-other reason
7-participant refused
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-1-not applicable
1-tried but unable
2-participant could not hold
position unassisted
3-not attempted, you felt unsafe
4-not attempted, participant felt
unsafe
5-participant unable to
understand instructions
6-other reason
7-participant refused
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-1-not applicable
1-held for 30 seconds
2-held for less than 30 seconds
3-not attempted
-1-not applicable
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable

1-tried but unable
2-participant could not hold
position unassisted
3-not attempted, you felt unsafe
4-no attempted, participant felt
unsafe
5-participant unable to
understand instructions
163

mmcrav

Nurse: check the availability of a suitable chair.

mmcrsc

Chair rise: whether respondent feels it is safe to
attempt single chair rise.
Nurse: if the participant cannot rise without using
arms, say, “Okay, try to stand up using your arms.”
Nurse: record the outcome of single chair rise
measure.

mmcrre

mmcrna

Nurse: record reason why the test was not
completed.

mmrrsc

Nurse: record whether respondent feels it is safe to
attempt multiple chair rises

mmrrre

Nurse: record the total number of rises completed.

mmrrfti

Nurse: record the time in seconds to two decimal
places to complete five chair rises. Enter the large
numbers on the stopwatch display before the
decimal point and the small numbers after it. Use
the full stop as the decimal point.
Nurse: record the time in seconds to two decimal
places to complete ten chair rises. Enter the large
numbers on the stopwatch display before the
decimal point and the small numbers after it. Use
the full stop as the decimal point.
Chair rise: outcome of multiple chair rises, split by
age.

mmrrtti

mmrroc

6-other reason
7-participant refused
-1-not applicable
1-suitable chair available
2-no suitable chair available
1-yes
2-no
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-participant stood without using
arms
2-participant used arms to stand
3-test not completed
-1-not applicable
1-tried but unable
2-participant could not hold
position unassisted
3-not attempted, you felt unsafe
4-not attempted, participant felt
unsafe
5-participant unable to
understand instructions
6-other reason
7-participant refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-not applicable
(0-10)
-1-not applicable
-8-don’t know
-3-chair rises not timed correctly
-1-not applicable
-8-don’t know
-3-chair rises not timed correctly
-1-not applicable
(0-10)
1-completed 5 rises, respondent
Aged 70 or over
2-completed less than 5 rises,
respondent aged 70 or over
3-completed 10 rises, respondent
aged less than 70
4-completed less than 10 rises,
respondent aged less than 70
5-not attempted, did not feel it
was safe
-1-not applicable-did not do single
164

mmrrna

Nurse: record reason why participant did not
attempt or failed to complete all chair rises.

mmschs

Interviewer: record respondent status.

mmalone

I would like to test whether you can walk a very
short distance comfortably. Can I just check, are
you able to walk alone without holding on to
another person (using a walking stick or other aid
if necessary)?

mmhss

I would now like to test whether you can walk a
very short distance comfortably (using a walking
stick or other aid if necessary). First, I would like
to ask a few questions to check it is safe to carry
out the test. Do you have any problems from
recent surgery, injury, or other health conditions
that might prevent you from walking?
Are you willing to do the walking test?

mmwill

mmsaf

Interviewer: do you feel that it is safe to continue
with the walking test?

mmavsp

Interviewer: check availability of suitable space.

rise successfully
1-tried but unable
2-participant could not hold
position unassisted
3-not attempted, you felt unsafe
4-no attempted, participant felt
unsafe
5-participant unable to
understand instructions
6-other reason
7-participant refused
-1-not applicable
1-observed walking without help
of another person or using
support
2-observed walking with help of
another person or using support
3-not observed-in wheelchair
4-not observed-bed bound
5-not observed-uncertain if
respondent has impairment
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-yes but aid unavailable
3-no
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-no apparent restriction
2-yes, recent surgery
3-yes, injury
4-yes, other health condition
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-1-not applicable
1-sutable space available
2-no suitable space
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable

165

mmwala

This is our walking course. I want you to walk to
the other end of the course at your usual walking
pace, just as if you were walking down the street to
go to the shops. Walk all the way past the other
end of the tape before you stop. Interviewer:
demonstrate the walk for the respondent. I will
walk with you. Do you feel this would be safe?

1-yes
2-no
-1-not applicable

mmtrya

Interviewer: record results of first trial. Enter time
at next question.

mmwlka

Interviewer: record time in seconds to two decimal
places.

mmtryb

Interviewer: record result of second trial. Enter
time at next question.

mmwlkb

Interviewer: record time in seconds to two decimal
places.

mmpain

Interviewer: code if respondent has commented on
pain. Otherwise ask: did you have pain while you
were performing the walking test?

mmrecr

Interviewer: record type of floor surface.

mmrecrc

Whether answer to mmrecr was recoded postinterview from text answer.

1-completed successfully
2-attempted but unable to
complete
3-stopped by interviewer because
of safety reasons
4-respondent refused
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1- not applicable
1-completed successfully
2-attempted but unable to
complete
3-stopped by interviewer because
of safety reasons
4-respondent refused
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-linoleum/tile/wood
2-low-pile carpet
3-thick-pile carpet
4-concrete
5-others
85-other answer-not codeable 0104
86-irrelevant-not codeable 01-04
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes (recorded post-interview
from other please specify)
2-no (unable to recode original
answer)
-1-not applicable
166

mmaid

Interviewer: record type of aid used.

mmaidc

Whether answer to mmaid was recoded postinterview from text answer.

mmcomz1

Interviewer: provide details about why the walking
test was not completed successfully (i.e. why it was
stopped for safety reasons, refused or not
completed).

mmcomz2

Interviewer: provide details about why the walking
test was not completed successfully (i.e. why it was
stopped for safety reasons, refused or not
completed).

mmcomz3

Interviewer: provide details about why the walking
test was not completed successfully (i.e. why it was
stopped for safety reasons, refused or not
completed).

1-none
2-walking stick or cane
3-elbow crutches
4-walking frame
5-others
85-other answer-not codeable 0104
-9-refusal
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes (recorded post-interview
from other please specify)
2-no (unable to recode, original
answer)
-1-not applicable
1-unable to walk (safely)
2-lack of space
3-respondent refused
4-interview not completed
5-respondent in pain
85-other answer (not codeable 0105)
86-irrelevant response (not
codeable 01-05)
-1-not applicable
1 unable to walk (safely)
2-lack of space
5-respondent in pain
85-other answer - not codeable
01-05
-1-not applicable
85-other answer-not codeable 0105
-1-not applicable

Panel I5.3. Self-Reported Health and Vignettes (see note A)
Variable
shache1,
swache1

Wording of Question/Description
Overall in the last 30 days, what degree of aches
and pains have you had?

shwake1,
swwake1

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty have you
had with sleeping, such as falling asleep, waking
up frequently during the night or waking up too
early in the morning?

Scale (if applicable)
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
167

shmob1,
swmob1

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem
have you had with moving around?

shmem1,
swmem1

Overall in the last 30 days how much difficulty
have you had with concentrating or remembering
things?

shresp1,
swresp1

In the last 30 days, how much of a problem have
you had because of shortness of breath?

shsad1,
swsad1

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem
have you had with feeling sad, low, or depressed?

shwork1,
swwork1

How much are you limited in the kind or amount
of work that you can do due to an impairment or
health problem?

shache2,
shache3,
shache4

Pain vignettes. How much work could you do in
last 30 days due to aches and pain?

swache2,
swache3,
swache4

How much is [Geoffrey/Linda/Jennifer] limited in
the kind or amount of work [he/she] could do?

shwake2,
shwake3,

Sleeping vignettes. In the last 30 days, how much
difficulty have you had with sleeping, such as

1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
1-not limited
2-mildly
3-moderately
4-severely
5-extremely
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
168

shwake4

shmob2,
shmob3,
shmob4

swmob2,
swmob3,
swmob4

shmem2,
shmem3,
shmem4

shresp2,
shresp3,
shresp4

shsad2,
shsad3,
shsad4

swsad2,
swsad3,
swsad4

falling asleep, waking up frequently during the
night or waking up too early in the morning?

3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
Mobility vignettes. Overall in the last 30 days, how 1-none
much of a problem did [Tom/David/Robert /]
2-mild
have with moving around?
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
How much work could you do in the last 30 days
1-not limited
limited due to mobility problems?
2-mildly
3-moderately
4-severely
5-extremely
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
Cognition vignettes. Overall in the last 30 days
1-none
how much difficulty have you had with
2-mild
concentrating or remembering things?
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
Respiratory vignettes. In the last 30 days, how
1-none
much of a problem have you had because of
2-mild
shortness of breath?
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
Depression vignettes. Overall in the last 30 days,
1-none
how much of a problem have you had with feeling
2-mild
sad, low, or depressed?
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable
How much work could you do in the last 30 days
1-not limited
limited due to depression?
2-mildly
3-moderately
4-severely
5-extremely
-9-refusal
-1-not applicable

Panel I5.4. Functionality (see note A)
Variable
headb01headb06

Wording of Question/Description
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty…

Scale (if applicable)
(if yes, specify)

169

(Katz and
Akpom
ADLs)

headb07headb13
(IADLs)

heada01heada10

1 - dressing, including putting on shoes and socks
2 - walking across a room
3 - bathing or showering
4 - eating, such as cutting up your food
5 - getting into or out of bed
6 - using the toilet, including getting up or down
7 - using a map to figure out how to get around a
strange place
8 - preparing a hot meal
9 - shopping for groceries
10 - making phone calls
11 - taking medications
12 - doing work around the house or garden
13 - managing money, such as paying bills and
keeping track of expenses
96- none of these
-9 - refusal
-8 - don’t know
-1 - not applicable
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty…

(if yes, specify)

1 - dressing, including putting on shoes and socks
2 - walking across a room
3 - bathing or showering
4 - eating, such as cutting up your food
5 - getting into or out of bed
6 - using the toilet, including getting up or down
7 - using a map to figure out how to get around a
strange place
8 - preparing a hot meal
9 - shopping for groceries
10 - making phone calls
11 - taking medications
12 - doing work around the house or garden
13 - managing money, such as paying bills and
keeping track of expenses
-9 - refusal
-8 - don’t know
-1 - not applicable
Because of a health problem, do you have
difficulty…
1 - walking 100 yards
2 - sitting for about 2 hours
3 - getting up from a chair after sitting for long
periods
4 - climbing several flights of stairs without resting
5 - climbing one flight of stairs without resting
6 - stooping, kneeling, crouching
170

7 - reaching or extending your arms above
shoulder level
8 - pulling or pushing large objects like living room
chair
9 - lifting or carrying weights over 10 pounds, like
a heavy bag of groceries
10 - picking up a 5p coin from a table
-8 - don’t know
-1 - not applicable
96 - none of these

Panel I5.5. Chronic Conditions (see note A)
Variable
hedia01 –
hedia07

Wording of Question/Description
Has a doctor ever told you that you have (or have
had) any of the conditions on this card (Card E)?

W1hedia01W1hedia07

hedib01hedib09
W1hedib01W1hedib09

Has a doctor ever told you that you have (or have
had) any of the conditions on this card?

Scale (if applicable)
1- High blood pressure or
hypertension
2-Angina
3-A heart attack (including
myocardial infarction or coronary
thrombosis)
4-Congestive heart failure
5-A heart murmur
6-An abnormal heart rhythm
7-Diabetes or high blood sugar
8-A stroke (cerebral vascular
disease)
9-high cholesterol
95- Any other heart trouble
(please say what)
96- None of these
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-Chronic lung disease such as
chronic bronchitis and
emphysema
2-Asthma
3-Arthritis (including
osteoarthritis
or rheumatism
4-Osteoporosis, sometimes called
thin or brittle bones
5-Cancer or malignant tumor
(excluding
minor skin cancers)
6-Parkinson’s disease
7-Any emoti0nal, nervous, or
psychiatric problems
8-Alzheimer’s disease
9-Dementia, senility or another
serious memory impairment
-8-don’t know
96-none of these
-1 – Not applicable
171

hedian1hedian9

Reason disputed [CVD condition] diagnosis from
Wave 1

hediam1hediam5

Reason disputed [chronic condition] diagnosis
from Wave 1
1
hediam1 = pulmonary
hediam3 = arthritis

heacd

hediam5 = cancer
Has a doctor ever told you that you have diabetes?

heana

Have you ever had any pain or discomfort in your
chest?

heanb

Do you get it when you walk uphill or hurry?

heanc

Does this happen on most occasions?

heand

Do you get it when you walk at an ordinary pace on
the level?

heane

Does this happen on most occasions?

heanf

What do you do if you get it while you are walking?
Do you… INTERVIEWER: Read out…

heang

If you stand still does the pain go away or not?
INTERVIEWER: If respondent unsure, probe—
What happens to the pain on most occasions?

heanh

How soon does the pain go away? Does it go
in…INTERVIEWER: Read out…

1-never had
2-no longer has
3- did not have previously, but has
now
-1-not applicable
1-never had
2-no longer has
3-did not have previously, but has
now
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
3-sometimes/occasionally
4-never walks uphill or hurries
5-cannot walk
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
3-sometimes/occasionally
4-never walks at an ordinary pace
on the level
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-1-not applicable
1-…stop
2-slow down,
3-or, do you carry on?
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-pain goes away
2-pain doesn’t go away
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-…10 minutes or less,
2-or, more than 10 minutes?
172

heanj
heani1heani6

Please could you tell me where you get this pain or
discomfort? INTERVIEWER: Write in.
Show card N. Will you show me where you get this
pain or discomfort? INTERVIEWER: Probe—
Where else? (code all that apply)

heanim1heanim6

Please could you tell me where you get this pain or
discomfort? INTERVIEWER: Write in.
(merged responses from heanj, heani1-heani6)

heanl

Have you spoken to a doctor or nurse about this
pain or discomfort?

heank

Have you ever had a severe pain across the front of
your chest lasting for half an hour or more?

Panel I5.6. Adult Mortality
Variable
agedead2

Wording of Question/Description
Age at death, with those aged 90 and over recoded
to avoid disclosure.

maincod

Main cause of death using ICD9 and 10.

mortfin

Current mortality status (from all sources).

mortwave

Data source and when died in relation to survey
wave.

-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
(string)
1-sternum (upper or middle)
2-sternum lower
3-left anterior chest
4-left arm
5-right anterior chest
6-right arm
95-somewhere else
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
1-sternum (upper or middle)
2-sternum lower
3-left anterior chest
4-left arm
5-right anterior chest
6-right arm
85-other answer (not codeable)
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-1-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-8-don’t know
-1-not applicable
Scale (if applicable)
(age)
-2-information not
available/applicable
-3-details being checked
99-aged 90 or over
1-cancer
2-cardiovascular disease
3-respiratory
4-other
-1-alive or no permission given to
check
-2-ICD information not available
1-alive/not known to have died
2-dead
(see codes 11-43)
0-alive/not known to have died
31- post-w2 issue & pre-w3 issue w3 sampling
32- pre-w3 - w3 fieldwork
33- post-w2 issue & pre-w3 issue external update
173

43- post-w3 issue & pre-w4 issue external update
yrdeath
Year of death.
(year)
-2-information not
available/applicable
-3-details being checked on
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above.
National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), University College London, & Institute for Fiscal
Studies (IFS). English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Economic and Social Data Service
[distributor], accessed 2011-03-29. http://www.ifs.org.uk/ELSA,
http://www.esds.ac.uk/longitudinal/access/elsa/l5050.asp.
Notes:
ELSA uses identical variables from wave to wave in some cases. As an example, the
identification of chronic conditions is complicated in ELSA. To determine whether ELSA
identified a chronic condition, the first wave had to be reviewed. Then, from the second wave (or
the baseline for the cross national data set), all chronic conditions had to be double checked to
see if respondents were still reporting the same condition. In the cross national data, variables
were renamed with wave identifiers. For example, the variables hedia* and hedib* from wave 1
are now W1hedia* and W1hedib*.
The following variables were renamed to indicate from which wave they came.
Wave 1 variable
hedia01-hedia07
hedib01-hedib09
heska
hesmk
difjob
fqobthr
digran
dignmy

Renamed as
W1hedia01-W1hedia07
W1hedib01-W1hedib09

Wave 2 variable
hedia01-hedia07
hedib01-hedib09
heska
hesmk
difjob
fqobthr
digran
dignmy

Renamed as
heskaW2
hesmkW2
difjobW2
fqobthrW2
digranW2
dignmyW2

NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Table I1. The variables idahhw1 and idaindw1 do not appear in the cross national data
set because wave 2 data were used as the baseline.
Note A, Table I2. The creation of variables for health conditions, education, etc. required going
back to previous waves to acquire this information.
Note A, Panel I2.3. Wave 0 (1998, 1999, 2001) and Wave 1 (2002).
Note A, Panels I3.2 and I5.2. Validated measures were used to construct variables for height,
waist, hip, and weight. For example, rather than using the height variable itself, which included
unreliable values, the htval variable was used to construct height for the cross national data set.
Note A, Panel I4.1. Wave 0 (1998, 1999, 2001) and Wave 1 (2002).

174

Note A, Panel I4.3. The variables scdri07 and scdri08 appear only in the questionnaire and not
in the data files.
Note A, Panel I5.2. There is a cognitive test available in wave 2 of the ELSA questionnaire.
The variables mmlostt, mmloint, mmstrt, and mmssstt appear only in the questionnaire and not
in the data files.
Note A, Panel I5.3. The third wave (2006-07) of ELSA has vignettes. Self-completion forms
containing vignettes on six health domains were assigned to a (random) third of the ELSA
sample, except for proxy respondents. The vignettes questionnaire consisted of two sections:
one which asked questions regarding health and one which asked questions regarding work.
Note A, Panel I5.4. In the ELSA survey, respondents were asked a question about having
difficulties with functionality and then presented with a card (cards O and P) which listed
several difficulties with functionality from which to choose. Respondents were asked to report
all possible items reflecting difficulty with functionality.
Note A, Panel I5.5. The hedia variables actually go up to headia10 but hedia08-hedia10 were
not included because they did not contain any relevant information. The hedian2-hedian6
variables for heart disease include angina, heart attack (including myocardial infarction),
coronary thrombosis, congestive heart failure, and heart murmur. The hedib variables actually
go up to hedib10 but hedib06-hedib10 were not included because they did not contain relevant
information.
In other words, chronic conditions in ELSA were identified in the following manner:
1. First calculated prevalence using hedia & hedib variables from wave 1
2. Updated these variables using the same variables from wave 2
3. Excluded anyone as missing if they denied ever being diagnosed with a particular illness at
wave 1
In the ELSA survey respondents were asked a question about having chronic conditions and
then presented with a card (card E) which listed several chronic conditions from which to
choose. They indicated all of the chronic conditions that they had. Responses were then saved in
several variables. This produced the situation that to identify those with a particular chronic
condition one has to search through several variables according to the code for that particular
health outcome. For example, the code for high blood pressure is 1 and to identify those with
high blood pressure one must search for that code in all of the variables hedia01 – headi08.
Symptom questions for angina based on Rose (1962, 1977) appear in variables with a hean
prefix.
The hedia01 - hedia07 row includes all the chronic conditions used based on hedia variables.
Arthritis, pulmon, and cancer are based off of hedib01-hedib09 variables. The other possible
categories in the hedib variables (asthma, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, emotional, Alzheimer’s and
dementia) were not used. The code 96 (none of these) is used to indicate that a respondent did
not have any of the conditions noted on the card presented to them.
The variable heanj appears only in the questionnaire and not in the data files.
NOTE B.
175

Only the core members of ELSA and only the 50+ individuals were selected for the cross
national data.
The second wave of ELSA data (2004-2005) was used as baseline for the cross national data
because it had height and leg length information. The first wave of ELSA does not include height
or weight because nurse's visits occurred every other wave.
The identification of chronic conditions is complicated in ELSA. To determine whether ELSA
identified a chronic condition, the first wave had to be reviewed. Then, from the second wave (or
the baseline for the cross national data set), all chronic conditions had to be double checked to
see if respondents were still reporting the same condition. ELSA uses identical variables from
wave to wave in some cases. In the cross national data, variables were renamed with wave
identifiers. For example, the variables hedia* and hedib* from wave 1 are now W1hedia* and
W1hedib*. If there were discrepancies between wave 1 and wave 2, the hedian* and hediam*
variables were used to verify the reason for such discrepancies.
ELSA has several different ID numbers:
idauniq is a unique individual serial number used in linking individuals between waves
idahhw1 is household number (wave specific analytical number)
idaindw1 if individual number (wave specific analytical number)
There are also other id numbers and variables that indicate if interview was partial or complete.

176

Appendix J: Indonesia-IFLS original variables
The tables below describe the original variables from the Indonesia-IFLS survey that
were used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are
marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that
are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The
variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of
the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the Indonesia data that
should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table J1. Respondent
Variable
ar01i_00

Wording of Question/Description
Interview’s status.

hhid00
day2000
month2000
year2000
day 2007
month2007
year2007
ivwmth1
ivwday1
ivwyr1
main

Household ID number.
Day of interview in 2000.
Month of interview in 2000.
Year of interview in 2000.
Day of interview in 2007.
Month of interview in 2007.
Year of interview in 2007.
Date of the first interview in 2000.
Date of the first interview in 2000.
Date of the first interview in 2000.
Main respondent selected to answer Books IIIA &
IIIB?
Person ID number.
Key identification variable to link between waves.
Proxy.
Sampling weight.
Sampling weight.
Sampling weight.
Sampling weight.
Indicates whether Book IIIA was completed by
respondent.

pid00
pidlink
proxy
pw00usxa
pw00usxb
pwt00xa
pwt00xb
res00b3a
res00b3b

Indicates whether Book IIIA was completed by
respondent.

res00us
rspndnt

Indicates whether Book US (health assessment) was
completed by respondent.
Respondent is:

mresp07
sc01

Main respondent 2007.
Province.

sc02

Municipality (Kabupaten/Kotamadya).

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
(day)
(month)
(year)
(day)
(month)
(year)
(month)
(day)
(year)
0-not main respondent
1-main respondent

1-complete
2-partially complete
3-not completed
1-complete
2-partially complete
3-not completed
1-yes
3-no
1-head of household
2-spouce of head of
household
3-other household
member
(code – contact RAND
for more info)
(code – contact RAND
177

sc03
sc05

Subdistrict (Kecamatan).
Area:

sc17

Number of Householders IFLS 2000

for more info)
(code)
1-urban
2-rural
(number)

Table J2. Demographics (see note A)
Panel J2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
age_00
marstat

Wording of Question/Description
How old are you (at survey year 2000)?
What is your marital status?

sex

Sex

us01

Sex

Panel J2.2. Ethnicity, Race and Language
Variable
dl01a

Wording of Question/Description
What languages do you speak in your daily life at
home? (Circle all that apply.)

Scale (if applicable)
(years)
1-single
2-married
3-separated
4-divorced
5-widowed
1-male
3-female
1-male
3-female
Scale (if applicable)
W-Indonesian
A-Javanese
B-Sundanese
D-Balinese
G-Batak
H-Bugis
I-Chinese
C-Maduranese
E-Sasak
F-Minang
J-Banjar
L-Bima
M-Makassar
N-Nias
O-Palembang
P-Sumbawa
Q-Toraja
R-Lahat
S-Other South Sumatra
T-Betawi
U-Lampung
K-Other (name)

178

dl01e

Which ethnical group is primarily influential in daily
activities of your household?

langothr

Other language used (if any):

Variable
dl02

Wording of Question/Description
Can you read an Indonesian-language newspaper?

dl02a

Can you read a newspaper in another language?

dl03

Can you write a letter in Indonesian?

dl03a

Can you write a letter in another language?

dl04

Have you ever attended/are you attending school?

dl06

What is the highest education level attended? [Note to
interviewer: If they are currently attending school,
record the level they are currently attending.]

Panel J2.3. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)

01-Jawa
02-Sunda
03-Bali
04-Batak
05-Bugis
06-Tionghoa
07-Madura
08-Sasak
09-Minang
10-Banjar
11-Bima-Dompu
12-Makassar
13-Nias
14-Palembang
15-Sumbawa
16-Toraja
17-Betawi
18-Dayak
19-Melayu-Deli
20-Komering
21-Ambon
22-Manado
23-Aceh
25-Other South
Sumatera
95-other
96-Other (name)
(other, specify)
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
3-no
1-yes
01-no school/not yet in
school
02-elementary
03-junior high general
04-junior high vocational
05-senior high general
06-senior high vocational
179

dl07

What is the highest grade completed at that school?

kr13

What is the main water source for drinking in this
household?

kr20

Where do the majority of the householders go to the
toilet?

60-college (d1, d2, d3)
61-university (bachelor)
62-university (master)
63-university (doctorate)
11-adult education a
12-adult education b
13-open university
14-Islamic school
(Pesantren)
17-school for disabled
70-madrasah, general
72-Islamic elementary
school (Madrasah
Ibitdaiyah)
73-Islamic junior/high
school (Madrasah
Tsanawiyah)
74-Madrasah senior high
school
90-kindergarten
98-don’t know
10-other, specify
00-did not complete first
grade at that level
01-1
02-2
03-3
04-4
05-5
06-6
07-graduated
98-don’t know
01-pipe water
02-well/pump (electric,
hand)
03-well water
04-spring water
05-rain water
06-river/creek water
07-pond/fishpond
08-water collection basin
09-other,specify
10-aqua/air mineral, etc.
01-own toilet with septic
tank
02-own toilet without
septic tank
03-shared toilet
04-public toilet
05-creek/river/ditch
(without toilet)
180

kr23

Do you store your perishable food in a refrigerator?

kr24

What is the main kind of fire/stove used for cooking?

kr24a

Does this household have a television?

sw01

Please imagine a six-step ladder where on the bottom
(the first step), stand the poorest people, and on the
highest step (the sixth step), stand the richest people.
On which step are you today?
On which step were you one year ago?

sw02

sw03

On which step do you expect to find yourself one year
from now?

sw04

Concerning your current standard of living, which of
the following is true?

sw05

Concerning your food consumption last month, which
of the following is true?

sw06

Concerning your healthcare, which of the following is
true?

06-yard/field (without
toilet)
07-sewer
08-other, specify
09-pond/fishpond
10-animal stable
11-sea/lake
1-yes
3-no
6-don’t have a
refrigerator
01-electricity
02-gas
03-kerosene stove
04-firewood
05-charcoal
06-other, specify
07-do not cook
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
(scale of 1-6, 1 being
poorest and 6 being
richest)
8-don’t know
(scale of 1-6, 1 being
poorest and 6 being
richest)
8-don’t know
(scale of 1-6, 1 being
poorest and 6 being
richest)
8-don’t know
1-it is less than adequate
for my needs
2-it is just adequate for
my needs
3-it is more than
adequate for my needs
8-don’t know
1-it is less than adequate
for my needs
2-it is just adequate for
my needs
3-it is more than
adequate for my needs
8-don’t know
1-it is less than adequate
for my needs
2-it is just adequate for
my needs
181

sw07

Do you have children still residing in this household?

sw08

Concerning your children’s standard of living, which
of the following is true?

sw09

Concerning your children’s food consumption last
month, which of the following is true?

sw10

Concerning your children’s healthcare, which of the
following is true?

sw11

Concerning your children’s education, which of the
following is true?

sw12

sw14

Think back to 1997, before the ‘crisis.’ What change
since those times provided the biggest benefit for you?
Think back to 1997, before the ‘crisis.’ What change
since those times has been the biggest problem for
you?
Are there any poor people in this village?

sw15

If yes, are there many or only a few?

sw16a

In your opinion, why are they poor? Little/no
education.
In your opinion, why are they poor? Not working
hard.
In your opinion, why are they poor? From poor
family.

sw13

sw16b
sw16c

3-it is more than
adequate for my needs
8-don’t know
1-yes
3-no
1-it is less than adequate
for my needs
2-it is just adequate for
my needs
3-it is more than
adequate for my needs
8-don’t know
1-it is less than adequate
for my needs
2-it is just adequate for
my needs
3-it is more than
adequate for my needs
8-don’t know
1-it is less than adequate
for my needs
2-it is just adequate for
my needs
3-it is more than
adequate for my needs
8-don’t know
1-it is less than adequate
for my needs
2-it is just adequate for
my needs
3-it is more than
adequate for my needs
6-children not yet in
school
8-don’t know
(description of change;
string variable)
(description of change;
string variable)
1-yes
3-no
1-many
3-a few
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
182

sw16d

sw16f

In your opinion, why are they poor? The rich do not
help the poor.
In your opinion, why are they poor? Government does
not pay attention.
In your opinion, why are they poor? No opportunities.

sw16g

In your opinion, why are they poor? Other, mention.

Ylab
totalYlab

Individual labor income.
Total labor income per household.

Variable
br01

Wording of Question/Description
Now I would like to ask you about all children that
you have so far. Have you ever given birth?

br08

Have you ever given live birth to a son or daughter,
who later passed away though only lived for a while?

br09

How many sons were born alive but passed away
later?
How many daughters were born alive but passed away
later?
Total number of live births
Household size.

sw16e

Panel J2.4. Family and Household

br10
br15
hhsize

1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
(number of males)
(number of females)
(number)
(number)

Table J3. Early Life Conditions (see note A)
Panel J3.1. Birthplace
Variable
bth_day
bth_mnth
bth_year
2000
dl01b

Wording of Question/Description
Date of birth:
Date of birth:
Date of birth:

Scale (if applicable)
(day)
(month)
(year)

Where are you from?

A-Jawa
B-Sunda
C-Bali
D-Batak
E-Bugis
F-Tionghoa
G-Madura
H-Sasak
I-Minang
J-Banjar
K-Bima-Dompu
L-Makassar
M-Nias
N-Palembang
O-Sumbawa
P-Toraja
Q-Betawi
R-Dayak
183

dl01c

Where was your father from? (Circle all that apply.)

dl01d

Where was your mother from? (Circle all that apply.)

S-Melayu-Deli
T-Komering
U-Ambon
W-Manado
X-Aceh
Y-Other South Sumatera
V-Other (name)
A-Jawa
B-Sunda
C-Bali
D-Batak
E-Bugis
F-Tionghoa
G-Madura
H-Sasak
I-Minang
J-Banjar
K-Bima-Dompu
L-Makassar
M-Nias
N-Palembang
O-Sumbawa
P-Toraja
Q-Betawi
R-Dayak
S-Melayu-Deli
T-Komering
U-Ambon
W-Manado
X-Aceh
Y-Other South Sumatera
V-Other (name)
A-Jawa
B-Sunda
C-Bali
D-Batak
E-Bugis
F-Tionghoa
G-Madura
H-Sasak
I-Minang
J-Banjar
K-Bima-Dompu
L-Makassar
M-Nias
N-Palembang
O-Sumbawa
P-Toraja
Q-Betawi
R-Dayak
S-Melayu-Deli
184

mg01ex

What is the […] name of your birthplace when you
were born?

mg04

Was the place when you were born a:

mg04a

When you were 12 years old did you live in the same
place as the place where you were born?

mg08

When you were 12, was the place a:

mg19b

Have you ever moved since the age of 12?

movenum
proxy
us02mth

How many times have you moved since the age of 12?
Proxy.
When were you born?

Variable
ba07am

Wording of Question/Description
Did [respondent’s name] mother ever attend school?

ba08m

What is the highest level of education of [respondent’s
name] mother?

Panel J3.2. Childhood Health

T-Komering
U-Ambon
W-Manado
X-Aceh
Y-Other South Sumatera
V-Other (name)
(country)
1-other
3-same as current
residence (Indonesia)
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-village
3-small town
5-big city
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-village
3-small town
5-big city
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
(number)
(month)
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
8-don’t know
9-missing
(highest level)
1-no school/not yet in
school
2-elementary school
3-general junior
secondary school
4-vocational junior
secondary school
5-general senior high
school
6-vocational senior high
school
60-academy D1, D2, D3
185

ba09m

What is the highest class that your mother finished?

ba11m

What is/was [respondent’s name] mother’s primary
activity now/before her death?

ba13m

What were […] primary duties (now/one year before
she died)?

61-university (bachelor)
62-university (master)
63-university (doctorate)
09-university, general
10-other, specify
11-adult education A
12-adult education B
13-open university
14-Islamic school
(Pesantren)
17-school for the disabled
70-Madrasah, general
72-islamic elementary
school (madrasah
ibtidaiyah)
73-islamic junior/high
school (madrasah
tsanawiyah)
74-madrasah senior high
school
90-kindergarten
96-not applicable
98-don’t know
99-missing
0-didn’t finish first class
01
02
03
04
05
06
07-graduated
98-don’t know
99-missing
01-working/trying to get
work/ helping to earn
income
02-job searching
03-attending school
04-housekeeping
05-retired
06-stay at
home/unemployed
07-sick/disabled
08-other, specify
98-don’t know
99-missing
01-professional or
technical worker
02-managerial,
administrative, decision
186

Panel J3.3. Childhood Nutrition

making staff
03-clerical personnel and
the like
04-sales personnel
05-service personnel
06-farm, forestry, game
hunting, fishery worker
07-production line
worker
08-transportation vehicle
operator
09-blue collar worker
10-other, specify
98-don’t know

Variable
us04
us06a
us06b

Wording of Question/Description
Height (cm).
Waist circumference (>=40 years).
Hip circumference (>=40 years).

Scale (if applicable)
(centimeters)
(centimeters)
(centimeters)

Variable
ba07ap

Wording of Question/Description
Did [respondent’s name] father ever attend school?

ba08p

What is the highest level of education of [respondent’s
name] father?

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
8-don’t know
9-missing
(highest level)
1-no school/not yet in
school
2-elementary school
3-general junior
secondary school
4-vocational junior
secondary school
5-general senior high
school
6-vocational senior high
school
60-academy D1, D2, D3
61- university (bachelor)
62-university (master)
63-university (doctorate)
09-university, general
10-other, specify
11-adult education A
12-adult education B
13-open university
14-Islamic school
(Pesantren)
17-school for the disabled
70-Madrasah, general
72-islamic elementary

Panel J3.4. Childhood SES

187

ba09p

What is the highest class that your father finished?

ba11p

What is/was [respondent’s name] father’s primary
activity now/before his death?

ba13p

What were […] primary duties (now/one year before
he died)?

school (madrasah
ibtidaiyah)
73-islamic junior/high
school (madrasah
tsanawiyah)
74-madrasah senior high
school
90-kindergarten
96-not applicable
98-don’t know
99-missing
0-didn’t finish first class
01
02
03
04
05
06
07-graduated
98-don’t know
01-working/trying to get
work/ helping to earn
income
02-job searching
03-attending school
04-housekeeping
05-retired
06-stay at
home/unemployed
07-sick/disabled
08-other, specify
98-don’t know
99-missing
01-professional or
technical worker
02-managerial,
administrative, decision
making staff
03-clerical personnel and
the like
04-sales personnel
05-service personnel
06-farm, forestry, game
hunting, fishery worker
07-production line
worker
08-transportation vehicle
operator
09-blue collar worker
10-other, specify
98-don’t know
188

ba14ap

How is the health status of your father now/before his
death?

ba14am

How is the health status of your mother now/before
her death?

99-missing
1-very healthy
2-somewhat healthy
3-somewhat unhealthy
4-very unhealthy
8-don’t know
9-missing
1-very healthy
2-somewhat healthy
3-somewhat unhealthy
4-very unhealthy
8-don’t know
9-missing

Table J4. Adult Lifestyle

Panel J4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
km01a
km01b

Wording of Question/Description
Have you had the habit of chewing tobacco, smoking
self-rolled cigarettes, or smoking cigarettes/cigars?
Have you had the habit of chewing tobacco?

km01c

Have you had the habit of smoking a pipe?

km01d

Have you had the habit of smoking self-rolled
cigarettes?

km01e

Have you had the habit of smoking cigarettes/cigars?

km02

Interviewer’s Note: Is km01d or km01e=1

km04

Do you still have the habit or have you totally quit?

Panel J4.2. Health Care Utilization (see note A)
Variable
rj00

rj00a
rj00b

Wording of Question/Description
In the last 4 weeks have you visited a public hospital,
puskesmas, private hospital, clinic, health worker or
doctor’s practice or been visited by a health worker or
doctor?
Have you had a general checkup performed in the last
5 years?
Where did you go to have this general check-up?
(Circle all that apply)

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
1-still have
3-quit
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
A-public hospital
B-public health center
C-private hospital
D-polyclinic, private
clinic, medical center
E-private physician
F-nurse, paramedic,
189

rj01
rj02
rj1type

Within the last 4 weeks, have you been to
(rj1type)/visited by (rj1type)?
How many times did you visit/been visited by
(rj1type) during the last 4 weeks?
Type of outpatient care.

rj_num
rn00

Number of outpatient care visits.
During the past 12 months have you ever received
patient care at a hospital, puskesmas, clinic, or other?

rn01

rn1type

During the past 12 months, have you ever received
inpatient care at (rn1type)?
How many times have you received inpatient care at
(rn1type) during the past 12 months?
Type of inpatient care.

rn_num

Number of hospitalizations.

rn02

midwife
G-traditional practitioner
H-don’t know
I-other, specify
1-yes
3-no
(number of times)
A-public hospital
(General or Specialty)
B-public health center
(puskesmas) /auxiliary
center (puskesmas
pembantu)
E-private hospital
F- polyclinic, private
clinic, medical center
G-private physician
(General Practitioner,
Specialist, Dentist)
H-nurse, paramedic,
midwife practitioner
I-traditional practitioner
(shaman, wise man, kyai,
Chinese herbalist,
masseur, acupuncturist,
etc.)
J-other, specify
(number)
1-yes
3-no
9-missing
1-yes
3-no
(number of times)
A-public hospital
B-public health center
C-private hospital
D-private clinic
E-other
(number)

Table J5. Adult Health Outcomes (see note A)
Panel J5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
kk01

Wording of Question/Description
In general, how is your health?

Scale (if applicable)
1-very healthy
2-somewhat healthy
3-somewhat unhealthy
4-unhealthy
190

kk02a
kk02ax
kk02b
kk02c2

During the last 4 weeks, how many days of your
primary daily activities did you miss due to poor
health?
Do you know the number of days of primary daily
activities missed due to poor health in the last month?
In the last 4 weeks, how many days have you stayed in
bed due to poor health?
Compared with your health 12 months ago, would you
say that your health is…?

kk02d2_1

Why has your health become, much better/somewhat
better/somewhat worse/much worse?

kk02d2_2

Why has your health become, much better/somewhat
better/somewhat worse/much worse?

kk02e2

In the last 12 months have you experienced any
serious health problems?

kk02i

kk02j

us14

(days)
8-don’t know
99-missing
1-knows number of days
8-don’t know
(days)
8-don’t know
1-much better now
2-somewhat better now
3-about the same
4-somewhat worse
5-much worse
(string variable)
w-not applicable
y-don’t know
z-missing
(string variable)
z-missing

1-yes
3-no
9-missing
How do you expect your health to be in next year?
1-much better than now
2-somewhat better than
now
3-about the same
4-somewhat worse
5-much worse
9-missing
Compared to another person of your age and sex,
1-better than others
would you say that your health is…?
2-same as the others
3-worse than the others
9-missing
According to the interviewer, how does the health of
(a scale of 1-9; from
this person compare, in general, to the health status of much worse to about the
other people of the same age and sex?
same to very good)

Panel J5.2. Anthropometric and Performance Measures (see note A)
Variable
us06

Wording of Question/Description
Weight (kg).

us07a

Blood pressure (age>=15 years).

Scale (if applicable)
(kilograms)
1-measured
2-disabled
3-reason not measured
4-not able
5-too old
6-age
7-refused
8-supplies/equipment
problem
9-missing
10-sick/pregnant
(HHM)
191

us07b
us08
us10

Blood pressure (age>=15 years).
Pulse (>=15 years).
Time to rise from sitting to a standing position 5 times
(>= 15 years).

us11

How many times sit to stand? (>=15 years)

Panel J5.2. Functionality
Variable
kk03a

Wording of Question/Description
If you had to […] could you do it: carry heavy load
(like pail of water) for 20 meters.

kk03b

If you had to […] could you do it: sweep house floor
yard.

kk03c

If you had to […] could you do it: walk for 5
kilometers.

kk03d

If you had to […] could you do it: draw pail of water
from well.

kk03e

If you had to […] could you do it: to bow, squat, kneel.

kk03f

If you had to […] could you do it: to dress without
help.

kk03g

If you had to […] could you do it: to stand up from
sitting position in a chair without help.

kk03h

If you had to […] could you do it: to go to the
bathroom (BM) without help.

(HHM)
(pulse)
1-yes
2-disable
3-no, other (specify)
4-not able
5-too old
6-age < 15 years
7-refused
8-supplies/equipment
problem
9-missing
10-sick
11-pregnant
12-respondent not
available
(number of times, if
5us14)
Scale (if applicable)
1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it
8-don’t know
1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it
8-don’t know
1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it
8-don’t know
1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it
8-don’t know
1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it
8-don’t know
1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it
8-don’t know
1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it
8-don’t know
1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it
192

kk03i

If you had to […] could you do it: to stand up from
sitting on floor without help.

kk03j

If you had to […] could you do it: walk for 1 kilometer.

Panel J5.3. Self-Reported Health and Vignettes
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
vg01a
Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem
did you have with moving around?

vg02a

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of bodily aches
or pains did you have?

vg03a

Overall in the last 30 days overall how much difficulty
did you have remembering things?

vg04a

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty do you had
with sleeping, such as falling asleep, waking up
frequently during the night or waking up too early in
the morning?

vg05a

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem
did you have with feeling sad, low, or depressed?

vg06a

In the last 30 days, how much of a problem did you
have because of shortness of breath?

vg01ba

Pak Taryono/Bu Taryini is able to walk distances of
up to 200 metres without any problems but feels tired
after walking one kilometer. He has no problems with
day-to-day activities, such as carrying food from the

8-don’t know
1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it
8-don’t know
1-easily
3-with difficulty
5-unable to do it
8-don’t know
Scale (if applicable)
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
193

vg01bb

market. Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a
problem did [name of person] have with moving
around?
Pak Tumino/Bu Tumini does not exercise. He cannot
climb stairs or do other physical activities because he
is obese. He is able to carry the groceries and do some
light household work. Overall in the last 30 days, how
much of a problem did [name of person] have with
moving around?

vg01bc

Pak Sidik/Bu Endah has a lot of swelling in his legs
due to his health condition. He has to make an effort
to walk around his home as his legs feel heavy. Overall
in the last 30 days, how much of a problem did [name
of person] have with moving around?

vg02ba

Pak Budiarto/ Bu Budiarti has a headache once a
month that is relieved after taking a pill. During the
headache she can carry on with her day-to-day affairs.
Overall in the last 30 days, how much of bodily aches
or pains did [name of person] have?

vg02bb

Pak Sumarno/ Bu Sumarni has pain that radiates
down her right arm and wrist during her day at work.
This is slightly relieved in the evenings when she is no
longer working on her computer. Overall in the last
30 days, how much of bodily aches or pains did [name
of person] have?

vg02bc

Pak Mulyono/ Bu Mulyanti has pain in his knees,
elbows, wrists and fingers, and the pain is present
almost all the time. Although medication helps, he
feels uncomfortable when moving around, holding
and lifting things. Overall in the last 30 days, how
much of bodily aches or pains did [name of person]
have?

vg03ba

Pak Taryono/ Bu Taryini can concentrate while
watching TV, reading a magazine or playing a game of
cards or chess. Once a week he forgets where his keys
or glasses are, but finds them within five minutes.
Overall in the last 30 days overall how much difficulty
did [name of person] have remembering things?

vg03bb

Pak Suwarso/ Bu Suwarsih is keen to learn new
recipes but finds that she often makes mistakes and
has to reread several times before she is able to do
them properly. Overall in the last 30 days overall how
much difficulty did [name of person] have

5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
194

remembering things?
vg03bc

vg04ba

vg04bb

vg04bc

vg05ba

vg05bb

vg05bc

Pak Mugiono/ Bu Mugianti cannot concentrate for
more than 15 minutes and has difficulty paying
attention to what is being said to him. Whenever he
starts a task, he never manages to finish it and often
forgets what he was doing. He is able to learn the
names of people he meets. Overall in the last 30 days
overall how much difficulty did [name of person] have
remembering things?
Pak Partono/ Bu Partini falls asleep easily at night,
but two nights a week she wakes up in the middle of
the night and cannot go back to sleep for the rest of
the night. In the last 30 days, how much difficulty
does [name of person] had with sleeping, such as
falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night
or waking up too early in the morning?
Pak Darma/ Bu Darmi wakes up almost once every
hour during the night. When he wakes up in the night,
it takes around 15 minutes for him to go back to sleep.
In the morning he does not feel well rested. In the last
30 days, how much difficulty does [name of person]
had with sleeping, such as falling asleep, waking up
frequently during the night or waking up too early in
the morning?
Pak Parto/ Bu Parti takes about two hours every night
to fall asleep. He wakes up once or twice a night
feeling panicked and takes more than one hour to fall
asleep again. In the last 30 days, how much difficulty
does [name of person] had with sleeping, such as
falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night
or waking up too early in the morning?
Pak Arman/ Bu Lina enjoys her work and social
activities and is generally satisfied with her life. She
gets depressed every 3 weeks for a day or two and
loses interest in what she usually enjoys but is able to
carry on with her day-to-day activities. Overall in the
last 30 days, how much of a problem did [name of
person] have with feeling sad, low, or depressed?
Pak Sukarso/ Bu Sukarsih feels nervous and anxious.
He worries and thinks negatively about the future, but
feels better in the company of people or when doing
something that really interests him. When he is alone
he tends to feel useless and empty. Overall in the last
30 days, how much of a problem did [name of person]
have with feeling sad, low, or depressed?
Pak Rano/ Bu Rina feels depressed most of the time.
She weeps frequently and feels hopeless about the
future. She feels that she has become a burden on
others and that she would be better dead. Overall in
the last 30 days, how much of a problem did [name of

7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
195

person] have with feeling sad, low, or depressed?
vg06ba

Pak Sugiarto/ Bu Suwarsih has no problems while
walking slowly. He gets out of breath easily when
climbing uphill for 20 meters or a flight of stairs. In
the last 30 days, how much of a problem did [name of
person] have because of shortness of breath?

vg06bb

Pak Ramlan/ Bu Badriah suffers from respiratory
infections about once every year. He is short of breath
3 or 4 times a week and had to be admitted in hospital
twice in the past month with a bad cough that
required treatment with antibiotics. In the last 30
days, how much of a problem did [name of person]
have because of shortness of breath?
Pak Hamid/ Bu Karsini has been a heavy smoker for
30 years and wakes up with a cough every morning.
He gets short of breath even while resting and does
not leave the house anymore. He often needs to be put
on oxygen. In the last 30 days, how much of a
problem did [name of person] have because of
shortness of breath?

vg06bc

Panel J5.4. Chronic Conditions (see note A)
Variable
cd05A

Wording of Question/Description
Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had hypertension?

cd05B

Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had diabetes or high blood sugar?

cd05C

Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had tuberculosis?

cd05D

Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had asthma?

cd05E

Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had other lung conditions?

cd05F

Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had heart attack, coronary heart disease,
angina, or other heart problems?
Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had a liver condition?

cd05G
cd05H

Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had a stroke?

cd05I

Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had cancer or malignant tumor?

7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
7-refused to answer
9-missing
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
196

cd05J

Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had arthritis/rheumatism?

cd05K

Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had uric acid/gout?

cd05L

Have a doctor/paramedic/nurse/midwife ever told
you that you had depression?

us18aa

Are you taking medicine for anemia?

us18ab

Are you taking medicine for high blood pressure?

us18ac

Are you taking medicine for diabetes?

Panel J5.5. Adult Mortality
Variable
died07

9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
9-unknown
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no
1-yes
3-no

Wording of Question/Description
Respondent died between 2000 and 2007.

Scale (if applicable)
0-no
1-died
calive07
Respondent contacted alive in 2007.
o-no
1-alive
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above. Gertler,
P., Frankenberg, E., & Karoly, L. Indonesia Family Life Surveys (IFLS). Los Angeles, CA:
University of California-Los Angeles [distributor], accessed 2009-07-27.
http://www.rand.org/labor/FLS/IFLS.html,
http://www.rand.org/labor/FLS/IFLS/access2.html.
Notes:
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Table J2. There is information on siblings and children in Section BA of Book IIIB,
though it is complicated to identify the number of siblings and children (it must be obtained
from roster information) and has been left out of this table.
Note A, Panel J2.3. There are several other questions that describe the household characteristics
(kr03-kr27) in the questionnaire.
Note A, Table J3. For variable mg01, there is more specific information at the village level about
where the respondent was born. There are additional questions about birthplace as well in Book
IIIA. There are additional questions about where and when the respondent’s mother and father
died in Section BA of Book IIIB.
Note A, Panel J4.1. There are several other questions about smoking habits in Book IIIB (km01km10).
Note A, Panel J4.2. All of the variables from the outpatient utilization section (Section RJ of
Book IIIB) and inpatient utilization section (Section RN of Book IIIB) are saved.

197

Note A, Panel J5. There is a section on subjective wellbeing (sw01-sw16) in Book IIIA. There are
also questions about depression included in Book IIIB (kk04-kk11). There are additional
questions on symptoms in Section MA of Book IIIB (ma01-ma08), and those specific to the
heart (ma08c-ma08e).
Note A, Panel J5.2. There are also additional health measurement questions on lung capacity
(Section US of Book US I).
Note A, Panel J5.4. The variables beginning with “cd” are variables taken from the 4th wave of
the Indonesian survey and were used to obtain information about chronic conditions. Although
there are some missing data, Indonesia does not show a large prevalence of chronic conditions
such as heart disease or diabetes. However, there is a large prevalence for hypertension.
NOTE B
In the Indonesian study not all individuals were selected to answer all parts of the questionnaire
(book 3A & 3B are individual and health related). Those who answered these sections are mostly
main respondents although there were some other respondents who did answer these sections
(Strauss, 2004, page 9). However, basic information was collected on all individuals. Apparently
this was the case for mortality and other household information.
For this cross sectional data file, the case identifiers are hhid00 and pid00 and are used to
merge any files within the 2000 data and then use pidlink if merging across waves.
Missing values may be an issue for education variables.
Identifying birth year and age is not always clear from the data. For example, the variable
bth_year from the tracker file in 2007 does not match up well with the bth_year from the
tracker file of the third wave in 2000 but the bth_year and age_00 in the third wave tracker file
are consistent. These latter variables were used to identify age.
Income
Household income was based on labor income in 2000 and calculated from an economist
working with Indonesian data. Therefore, use this variable with caution. A possible rule of
thumb to evaluate the income numbers from the survey year 2000 is:
Less than 500,000 rupiah per month is about what a low income worker might expect to make
1.5-2 million rupiah per month is middle income
3-4 million rupiah per month is upper middle income
>5 million rupiah per month is upper income

198

Appendix K: Latin American and Caribbean cities-SABE original variables
The tables below describe the original variables from the Latin American and Caribbean
cities-SABE survey that were used to construct variables for the cross national data set.
These variables are marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes
original variables that are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross
national data set. The variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in
the table of contents of the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to
the Latin American and Caribbean cities data that should be taken into account when
examining the data.

Table K1. Respondent (see note A)
Variable
country

Wording of Question/Description
Country ID number (constructed variable)

var00001
folio
ponder
ponder1
g0401

ID variable for Argentina
ID variable for all other SABE countries
Sampling weight for all other countries.
Sampling weight for Chile.
What is (NAME)’s relationship to you?

Scale (if applicable)
11- Argentina
12-Barbados
13-Brazil
14-Chile
15-Cuba
16-Mexico
17-Uruguay

01-spouse/partner
02-son/daughter
03-parent
04-parent-in-law
05-sibling
06-child-in-law
07-grandchild
08-step-child
09-other relative
10-non-relative
11-domestic worker
97-does not apply
98-does not know
99-no response

Table K2. Demographics

Panel K2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
a01b
c18

Wording of Question/Description
How old are you?
Sex of the respondent.

marital

Variable created by survey staff to determine
marital status.

Scale (if applicable)
(years)
1-woman
2-man

Panel K2.2. Ethnicity, Race and Language (see note A)
Variable
a12 (data for

Wording of Question/Description
(Optional question) Could you please tell me

Scale (if applicable)
1-white
199

all countries
what your race and ethnic background is?
except Mexico)

2-mestizo (combination of
white and indigenous)
3-mulatto (combination of
black and white)
4-black
5-indigenous
6-asian
8-other
98-does not know
99-no response

Panel K2.3. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)
Variable
yeduca
a05a

Wording of Question/Description
Variable created by survey staff to determine
years of education.
Do you know how to read and write a
message?

a05b

Did you ever attend school?

a06*

What was the highest level of schooling that
you have completed? These variables include
the level completed, grade completed,
completion level status, etc. Circle only one
response code and record the years completed
at this level.

j04

Is running water available to the occupants of
this home: Read all options until you get an
affirmative response.

j08

Does this home have a room to cook in
(kitchen)?
What type of heating do you use to cook? Read
all options until you get an affirmative
response.

j09

Scale (if applicable)

1-yes
2-no
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
01-elementary and middle
school
02-secondary/high school
03-technical, commercial or
secretarial following
elementary and/or middle
school
04-technical, commercial or
secretarial following
secondary/high school
05-preparatory
06-teacher education
07-college (university)
08-graduate/post-grad
98- does not know
99- no response
1-inside the home?
2-outside the home, but
underground?
3-from a public pump?
4-there is no running water
available?
1-yes
2-no
1-natural piped gas
2-portable gas
canister/container
3-elecrticity
4-keronsene or paraffin
5-charcoal or firewood
200

j10

Does your home have a toilet (bathroom)?

j13a (Cuba
codes this
variable
differently)
j13b (Cuba
codes this
variable
differently)
j13c (Cuba
codes this
variable
differently)
j13d (Cuba
codes this
variable
differently)
j121 (Cuba
codes this
variable
differently)
j122 (Cuba
codes this
variable
differently)
j123 (Cuba
codes this
variable
differently)
h25a (only
Chile uses this
variable)
h25d (only
Chile uses this
variable)
h25m (only
Chile uses this
variable)
h25q (only
Chile uses this
variable)
h25s (only
Chile uses this
variable)
h25i (all
countries
except Chile

Does this home have a refrigerator? Read each
option and circle all that apply.

6-none
1-yes, inside the home
2-yes, outside of the home
but on the same land
3-no
1-yes
2-no
9-no response

Does this home have a clothes washer
(automatic)? Read each option and circle all
that apply.

1-yes
2-no
9-no response

Does this home have a water heater? Read
each option and circle all that apply.

1-yes
2-no
9-no response

Does this home have a microwave? Read each
option and circle all that apply.

1-yes
2-no
9-no response

Does anyone in this home have a bicycle? Read
each option and circle all that apply.

1-yes
2-no
9-no response

Does anyone in this home have a motorcycle
or moped? Read each option and circle all that
apply.

1-yes
2-no
9-no response

Does anyone in this home have an
automobile? Read each option and circle all
that apply.

1-yes
2-no
9-no response

Annual wage.
Daily wage.
Monthly wage.
Biweekly wage.
Weekly wage.
In total, how much do you earn from this and
other jobs?

201

use this
coding)
h25p (all
countries
except Chile
use this
coding)

…and with what frequency do you receive this
amount?

h261

Do you receive income from retirement or
pension?

h262

Do you receive income help from family in
another country?

h263

Do you receive income help from family living
in ---?

h264

Do you receive income from renting or
banking income?

h265

Do you receive income from social welfare
subsidy?

h266

Do you receive income from other? Specify.

h27a1

How much income do you receive from
retirement or pension? For each affirmative
answer in h26, ask h27a and h27b.

h27a2

How much income do you receive from help
from family in another country? For each
affirmative answer in h26, ask h27a and h27b.

h27a3

How much income do you receive from help
from family living in ---? For each affirmative
answer in h26, ask h27a and h27b.

h27a4

How much income do you receive renting or
banking income? For each affirmative answer
in h26, ask h27a and h27b.

h27a5

How much income do you receive from social

1-per day
2-per week
3-biweekly
4-per month
5-per year
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
(amount from retirement or
pension)
999998-does not know
999999-no response
(amount from family in
another country)
999998-does not know
999999-no response
(amount from family living in
---)
999998-does not know
999999-no response
(amount from renting or
banking income)
999998-does not know
999999-no response
(amount from social welfare
202

welfare subsidy? For each affirmative answer
in h26, ask h27a and h27b.
h27a6
h27bp1

How much income do you receive from other
(specified)? For each affirmative answer in
h26, ask h27a and h27b.
How often do you receive income from
retirement or pension?

h27bp2

How often do you receive income help from
family in another country?

h27bp3

How often do you receive income help from
family living in ---?

h27bp4

How often do you receive income from renting
or banking income?

h27bp5

How often do you receive income from social
welfare subsidy?

h27bp6

How often do you receive income from other
(specified)?

h21

Working status. See questions H5 and H6

h28

How many people depend on this income?
Include the respondent in the number of
persons who depend on this income.

h05 (only
asked in

During the last week, you… (Read all the
options until you obtain an affirmative

subsidy)
999998-does not know
999999-no response
(amount from other)
999998-does not know
999999-no response
1-per week
2-per month
3-biweekly
4-every year
8-does not know
9-no response
1-per week
2-per month
3-biweekly
4-every year
8-does not know
9-no response
1-per week
2-per month
3-biweekly
4-every year
8-does not know
9-no response
1-per week
2-per month
3-biweekly
4-every year
8-does not know
9-no response
1-per week
2-per month
3-biweekly
4-every year
8-does not know
9-no response
1-per week
2-per month
3-biweekly
4-every year
8-does not know
9-no response
1-respondent actually works
2-respondent does not
actually work
01-only the respondent
(number of people)
98-does not know
99-no response
01-worked?
02-had a job, but did not
203

Argentina)

response.)

h06 (only
asked in
Argentina)

In addition to this activity (condition in h05),
in the last week, you… (Read all options until
you get an affirmative response.)

Panel K2.4. Family and Household (see note A)
Variable
a18

Wording of Question/Description
How many children have you had?

a19

Do you have step-children?

a20

How many step-children have you had?

a21

Do you now have or have you ever had any
adopted children?

a22

How many adopted children have you had?

a23

In total, how many children, step-children or

work?
03-worked helping in a
family business, estate or
ranch without receiving
payment?
04-looked for a job?
05-primarily did housework?
06-were retired or
pensioned?
07-were temporarily disabled
and could not work?
08-were permanently
disabled and could not work?
09-did not work?
98-does not know
99-no response
01-sold some product?
02-made some product to
sell?
03-washed, ironed or cooked,
repaired electronic
equipment, cared for
children or some other task
in exchange for payment?
04-helped work in
agricultural activities or in
the raising of animals?
05-(do not read) did not do
any of these activities?
98-does not know
99-no response
Scale (if applicable)
(number of children)
98-does not know
99-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
(number of step-children)
98-does not know
99-no response
1-yes
2-nogo to a23
8-does not know
9-no response
(number of adopted children)
98-does not know
99-no response
(number of living children)
204

g02
a07
a07a
a07b

a07c

adopted children that you mentioned are still
alive?
Then, there are (number from previous
question) people from that household?
Do you live alone or with someone now?
Five years ago, were you living with exactly the
same people that you live with now?
Five years ago you lived…

Why don’t you live with same people that you
were living with 5 years ago?

98-does not know
99-no response
1-yes
2-no
1-alone
2-with someone
1- yes
2-no
1-alone
2-with a spouse or partner
3-with one or more married
son(s) or daughter(s)
4-with one or more
unmarried son(s) or
daughter(s)
5-with other relative
6-with other non-family
member
8-does not know
9-no response
1-problems related with your
children- economic
2-problems related with your
children-divorce or
separation
3-problems related with your
children- marriage or union
4-problems related with your
children- to care for children
5-problems related with your
own personal situationeconomic
6-problems related with your
own personal situationdivorce or separation
7-problems related with your
own personal situationdeath
8-problems related with your
own personal situation- you
felt lonely
9-problems related with your
own personal situation- you
needed help
10-problems related with
your own personal situationyou got sick
11-other
98- does not know
99- no response

205

Table K3. Early Life Conditions
Panel K3.1. Birthplace
Variable
a02

Wording of Question/Description
Were you born in Barbados?

a03
a04a

In what country were you born?
In total, how many years have you lived in ---?

a04b

During the first 15 years of your life, did you live
in a rural area for 5 years or more?

a01am
a01aa

In what month and year were you born?
In what month and year were you born?

Variable
c27

Wording of Question/Description
During the majority of the first 15 years of your
life, would you say that your health was excellent,
good, or poor?

c28a

During the first 15 years of your life, do you
remember having any of the following illnesses?
Nephritis (kidney disease)

c28b

During the first 15 years of your life, do you
remember having any of the following illnesses?
Hepatitis (liver disease or jaundice)

c28c

During the first 15 years of your life, do you
remember having any of the following illnesses?
Measles

c28d

During the first 15 years of your life, do you
remember having any of the following illnesses?
Tuberculosis

c28e

During the first 15 years of your life, do you
remember having any of the following illnesses?
Rheumatic fever

c28f

During the first 15 years of your life, do you
remember having any of the following illnesses?
Asthma

c28g

During the first 15 years of your life, do you
remember having any of the following illnesses?
Chronic bronchitis

Panel K3.2. Childhood Health

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
(country)
(years)
998-does not know
999-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
(month)
(year)
Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
2-good
3-poor
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
206

c28h1

c28h2

Did you have any others? Specify. (Record up to
three more sicknesses that were important for
the respondent for the Brazil, Argentina, Cuba,
Mexico, and Barbados datasets, but leave as
“yes”/”no” response for the Chile dataset)
Did you have any others? Specify. (Record up to
three more sicknesses that were important for
the respondent.)

c28h3

Did you have any others? Specify. (Record up to
three more sicknesses that were important for
the respondent.)

c29

During the first 15 years of your life, were you
confined to a bed for a month or more because of
a health problem?

c30

During the first 15 years of your life, would you
say that there was a time in which you did not eat
enough and that you were hungry?

Panel K3.3. Childhood Nutrition
Variable
k05

9-no response
(specify)
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
*see codebook
(specify)
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
*see codebook
(specify)
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
*see codebook
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response

k06

Wording of Question/Description
To measure your height, I need you to take off
your shoes. Put your feet and heels together.
Look forward, standing with your back and head
touching the wall. Look straight ahead.
Knee height.

k07
k08

Arm circumference.
Waist.

k09

Hip.

k12

Calf circumference (of the leg).

(centimeters)

c26

During the majority of the first 15 years of your
life, what was the economic situation of your
family? (Read all the options until you get an
affirmative answer.)

a24

Is your father alive?

a26

How old was your father when he died?

1-good
2-average
3-poor
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
(age)
998-does not know

Panel K3.4. Childhood SES

Scale (if applicable)
(height in centimeters)
999-cannot stand up
(height in centimeters)
999-cannot stand up
(centimeters)
(waist in centimeters)
999-cannot stand up
(hip in centimeters)
999-cannot stand up

207

a27

Is your mother alive?

a29

How old was your mother when she died?

999-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
(age)
998-does not know
999-no response

Table K4. Adult Lifestyle

Panel K4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
c24

Wording of Question/Description
You…

Panel K4.2. Adult Exercise
Variable
c25a

Wording of Question/Description
In the past twelve months, have you exercised
regularly or participated in vigorous physical
activity such as playing a sport, dancing or
heavy housework, 3 or more times a week?

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response

Wording of Question/Description
In the last three months, on average, how many
days per week have you had any alcohol to
drink (for example, beer, wine, or another
drink containing alcohol)?

Scale (if applicable)
1-did not consume any
2-less than one day a week
3-one day a week
4-two to three days a week
5-four to six days a week
6-everyday
8-does not know
9-no response

Panel K4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption (see note A)
Variable
c23

Scale (if applicable)
1-smoke at the present time?
2-smoked before, but do not
now?
3-have never smoked?
8-does not know
9-no response

Panel K4.4. Adult Diet
Variable
c22a

Wording of Question/Description
How many complete meals do you eat a day?
(Consider breakfast to be a meal)

c22b

Do you eat milk, cheese or similar products at
least once a day?

c22c

Do you eat eggs, beans, peas or legumes at least
once a week?

c22d

Do you eat meat, fish or poultry at least three

Scale (if applicable)
1-one meal
2-two meals
3-three or more meals
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
208

times a week?
c22e

Do you eat fruit or vegetables at least 2 times a
day?

c22f

Have you been eating less in the last twelve
months than you were before due to loss of
appetite or digestive problems?

c22g

How many cups or glasses of liquid do you
drink a day (including water, coffee, tea, milk,
juice, etc.)?

c22h

In the last twelve months, have you lost weight
without going on any diet?

c22i

In respect to your nutritional state, would you
say that you are well nourished?

Panel K4.5. Health Care Utilization (see note A)
Variable
f031

Wording of Question/Description
During the last 12 months, where did you
usually go when you felt sick or when you
needed to consult someone about your health?
Circle all the answers that the respondent
spontaneously mentions.

f032

Any additional answer from f031.

2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-less than three glasses
2-from three to five glasses
3-more than five glasses
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes, between 1 and 3 kg
2-yes, more than 3 kg
3-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
Scale (if applicable)
00-no other
01-I did not go, although I
needed it
02-I have not gotten sick, I
have not needed a
consultation/appointment
03-private physician’s office
04-private clinic
05-public clinic
06-clinical designated by
medical insurance
07-emergency room in a
private health care
institution
08-private hospital
09-public hospital
10-emergency room in public
hospital
12-pharmacy
13-faith healer
96-other, specify
98-does not know
99-no response

209

f033
f11

Any additional answer from f031.
Not including the hospitalization, did you seek
medical care or consultation of any type in the
last four months?

f12

In total, how many times in the last four
months did you seek medical care or
consultation?
Thinking of the last time you sought medical
attention, from whom did you seek care?

f13

f301

Why didn’t you have a medical
consultation/appointment in the last four
months? Circle all of the answers that the
respondent spontaneously mentions.

f302
f303

Any additional answer from f301.
Any additional answer from f301.

1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
(times)
88-does not know
99-no response
1-doctor
2-nurse
3-phamacist
4-faith healer
5-other
8-does not know
9-no response
00-no other
01-did not need it
02-cost of the care
03-cost of the travel
04-time required for the trip
and the wait
05-the problem was not
serious
06-the care is usually poor
07-my family needed me
08-treated self
09-other, specify
98-does not know
99-no response

Table K5. Adult Health Outcomes
Panel K5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
c01

Wording of Question/Description
I would now like to ask you some questions
about your health. Would you say that your
health is excellent, very good, good, fair or
poor?

c02

Compared to your health 12 months ago,
would you say that it is better, the same or
worse than it was then?

Compared to other people your age, would
you say that your health is better, the same or
worse?

Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-fair
5-poor
8-does not know
9-no response
1-better
2-same
3-worse
8-does not know
9-no response
1-better
2-same
3-worse
210

8-does not know
9-no response

Panel K5.2. Anthropometric and Performance Measures (see note A)
Variable
k11

Wording of Question/Description
Weight.

k15 (Argentina,
Barbados,
Brazil, Chile,
Cuba, Mexico,
Uruguay)

We are going to use an instrument called a
dynamometer to test the strength of your
hand. We can do this test only if you have
NOT had any surgery on your arm or hand in
the last three months. Using the arm you
think is strongest, place its elbow on the table
and turn the palm of your hand up. Take the
two pieces of metal together like his
(demonstrate). Tell me if I should adjust the
device to your size. When I tell you, tighten
your grip as strongly as you can. The two
pieces of metal will not move, but I can read
off the strength of your grip.
We are going to do this test twice. We will
stop if you feel any pain or discomfort. Note
which hand was used (right or left).
Did you have operations on your arms or
hands?
I want you to try to stand with your feet
together while keeping your eyes open.
Please keep this position until I tell you (ten
seconds). You may use your arms, bend your
knees or move your body to keep you
balance, but try not to move your feet.
Now I want you to try to stand heel-to-toe for
ten seconds. You can use either foot,
whichever you feel most comfortable with.
You can use your arms, bend your knees, or
move your body to keep your balance, but try
not to move your feet. Please hold that
position until I tell you (ten seconds).
From a standing position, I would like you to
try to stand on one foot without touching or
holding on to anything. You may begin with
either leg, and then we will try with the other.
I will count time, and will tell you when to
start and when to finish (ten seconds). We
can stop whenever you feel that you are
losing your balance.

k15 (Chile)
l01a

l02

l03d & l03i

l04
l05

Do you feel capable of rising rapidly from the
chair five times?
Now I want you to try to stand up from and
sit down in a chair five times.

Scale (if applicable)
(weight in kg)
999-cannot stand up
First time:
95-tried but could not
96-did not try because of
safety concerns
97-subject disabled
98-refused to do it
(finished the exercise, kg)
Second time:
95-tried but could not
96-did not try because of
safety concerns
97-subject disabled
98-refused to do it
(finished the exercise, kg)
1-yes
2-no
66-tried but failed
77-not attempted
88-refused to try

66-tried but failed
77-not attempted
88-refused to try

Right foot
66-tried but failed
77-not attempted
88-refused to try
Left foot
66-tried but failed
77-not attempted
88-refused to try

1-Yes
2-No

66-tried but failed
77-not attempted
88-refused to try
211

l06
l07s

l07c
l08
l09

Do you feel confident enough to try to stand
from the chair with your arms crossed over
your chest five times?
Now, keeping your arms crossed over your
chest, please stand up from the chair as fast
as you can five times without pausing. Every
time you stand up, sit down and stand up
again.
Record height of chair seat from floor
Have you had an operation for cataracts or
surgery on your retina in the last six weeks?
For this next test you have to squat and pick
up a pencil. This is a movement you will
make only if you have NOT had an operation
for cataracts in the last six weeks. From a
standing position, please squat, pick up this
pencil, and stand up again. (Place the pencil
on the floor in front of the subject and tell
him/her when to start. If the subject is
unable to do it in less than 30 seconds, do not
let him/her continue.

Panel K5.3. Functionality
Variable
d01a

Wording of Question/Description
Do you have any difficulty with running or
jogging one and a half kilometers (1 mile)?

d01b

Do you have any difficulty with walking
several hundred yards?

d01c

Do you have any difficulty with walking one
hundred yards?

d02

Do you have any difficulty with sitting for two
hours?

d03

Do you have any difficulty with getting up
from a chair after sitting for long periods?

d04

Do you have any difficulty with climbing
several flights of stairs without resting?

1-Yes
2-No
66-tried but failed
77-not attempted
88-refused to try
1-Yes
2-No
8-Does not know
9-No Response
66-tried but failed
77-not attempted
88-refused to try

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
212

d05

Do you have any difficulty with climbing one
flight of stairs without resting?

d06

Do you have any difficulty with stooping,
kneeling, or crouching?

d07

Do you have any difficulty reaching or
extending your arms above shoulder level?

d08

Do you have any difficulty with pulling or
pushing a large object, like a living room
chair?

d09

Do you have any difficulty with lifting or
carrying weights over 5 kgs. (10 lbs.), like a
heavy shopping bag?

d10

Do you have any difficulty with picking up a
coin form a table?

d11

Do you have difficulty with walking across a
room?

d12a

Do you use any equipment or devices when
walking across a room?
What type of equipment do you use?
(respondents could have multiple answers,
all of which are saved in several d12b*
variables)

d12b

3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
o response
1-railing
2-walker
3-cane
4-crutches
5-orthopedic shelves
6- brace (leg or back)
7- prosthesis
8-oxygen or respirator
9-furniture or walls
10-wheelchair or cart
11-other, specify
12-does not know
213

d12c

Does anyone ever help you with walking
across a room?

d13a

Do you have difficulty with dressing
(including putting on shoes and
socks/stockings)?

d13b

Does anyone help you dress?

d14a

Do you have difficulty bathing (including
getting in and out of the tub)?

d14b

Do you ever use any equipment or devices
while bathing (such as a rail or a stool)?

d14c

Does anyone ever help you with bathing?

d15a

Do you have difficulty eating (including
cutting food, filling glasses, etc.)?

d15b

Does anyone help you with eating?

d16a

Do you have difficulty getting in and out of
bed?

d16b

Do you ever use any equipment or devices
when getting in or out of bed?

d16c

Does anyone help you with getting in or out
of bed?

d17a

Do you have difficulty with using the toilet
(including getting up and down from the
toilet)?

d18a

Do you have difficulty with preparing a hot
meal?

13-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-dose not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
214

d18b

Does anyone help you with preparing a hot
meal?

d19a

Do you have difficulty managing your own
money?

d19b

Does anyone help you with managing your
own money?

d20a

Do you have difficulty going places alone, like
to places such as the doctor, church, etc.?

d20b

Does anyone ever accompany you to help you
get in or out of a car/bus, bring you
transportation or help you to catch some
form of transportation (call a taxi, for
example)?
Do you have difficulty with shopping for
groceries?

d21a

d21b

Does anyone ever help you with shopping for
groceries?

3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not
apply
8-does not know
9-no response
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not
apply
8-does not know
9-no response
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not
apply
8-does not know
9-no response
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it
8-does not know
9-no response
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
215

d22a

Do you have difficulty with making telephone
calls?

d22b

Does anyone ever help you with making
telephone calls?

d23a

Do you have difficulty with doing light
housework such as making beds, dusting,
etc.?

d23b

Does anyone ever help you with light
housework?

d24a

Do you have difficulty with doing heavy
housework, such as cleaning the bathroom,
cleaning floors, etc.?

d24b

Does anyone ever help you with heavy
housework?

d25a

Do you have difficulty with taking your
medications?

Panel K5.4. Chronic Conditions
Variable
c04

Wording of Question/Description
Has a doctor or nurse ever told you that you

1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not
apply
8-does not know
9-no response
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not
apply
8-does not know
9-no response
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not
apply
8-does not know
9-no response
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not
apply
8-does not know
9-no response
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
216

have high blood pressure or hypertension?
c05

Has a doctor or nurse ever told you that you
have diabetes, that is to say, high blood sugar
levels?

c05a

Are you taking an oral mediation in order to
control your diabetes now?

c05b

In order to treat or control your diabetes, are
you now using insulin injections?

c05c

In order to treat or control your diabetes,
have you lost weight or followed a specific
diet during the last 12 months?

c05d

Is your diabetes generally under control?

c05e

Compared to 12 months ago, has your
diabetes gotten better, stayed the same or
gotten worse?

c06

Has a doctor or nurse ever told you that you
have cancer or a malignant tumour,
excluding minor skin cancers?

c07

Has a doctor or nurse ever told you that you
have chronic lung disease such as chronic
bronchitis, emphysema or asthma?

c08

Has a doctor or nurse ever told you that you
had a heart attack, coronary heart disease,
angina, congestive heart failure or other
heart problems?
Has a doctor ever told you that you have had
a cerebral embolism, stroke, attack or
thrombosis?

c09

c10

Have you ever had or has a doctor or nurse
ever told you that you have arthritis,
rheumatism or osteoarthritis?

c11e

In the past 12 months, has a doctor or nurse
told you that you have osteoporosis?

2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-better
2-same
3-worse
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
9-no response
1-yes
2-no
8-does not know
217

9-no response
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above. Pelaez,
M., Palloni, A., Albala, C., Alfonso, J.C., Ham-Chande, R., Hennis, A., et al. SABE – Survey on
Health, Well-Being, and Aging in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2000. ICPSR03546-v1. Ann
Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributor], accessed
2004-08-13, accessed 2010-04-30. http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/sabe/home.html,
doi:10.3886/ICPSR03546.v1
Notes:
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Table K1. The variable ponder1 was only used in Chile and was renamed in the cross
national data set to ponder to match the other Latin American cities’ data.
Note A, Panel K2.3. Chile coded income slightly differently from the other countries and
provides the amount paid annually (h25a), daily (h25d), monthly (h25m), biweekly (h25q), and
weekly (h25s). There are additional questions regarding housing characteristics in section J of
the questionnaire. Cuba codes the questions regarding ownership differently (j13a is coded 1
meaning refrigerator, j13b is coded as 2 meaning clothes washer, j13c is coded as 3 meaning
water heater, j13d is coded as 4 meaning microwave, j121 is coded 1 meaning bicycle, j122 is
coded 2 meaning motorcycle or moped, and j123 is coded 3 meaning automobile).
Note A, Panel K2.4. Variable a07 was slightly different in Chile and included the following
variables: a07a, a07b1, a07b2, a07b3, a07c1, a07c2, and a07c3. See the Chilean questionnaire
for more detail.
Note A, Panel K4.1. There are additional smoking variables in the questionnaire (c24a-c24c).
Note A, Panel K4.3. Additionally, the questionnaire includes the variable c23a which asks about
the average number of drinks on the days the respondent drank in the last three months.
Note A, Panel K4.5. The questionnaires for each country are slightly different in Section F. These
are taken from the Barbados questionnaire. For Cuba, health utilization variables were coded
slightly differently (see variables f031-f0399).
Note A, Panel K5.2. SABE has a cognitive evaluation in section B of the questionnaire. In Cuba,
anthropometric measurements were averaged because each respondent was measured three
times. The Cuban anthropometric variables were slightly different (height: k5m1e, k5m2e,
k5m3e, k5m3d; knee height: k6m1e, k6m1d, k6m2e, k6m2d, k6m3e, k6m3d; waist
circumference: k8m1e, k8m1d, k8m2e, k8m2d, k8m3e, k8m3d; hip circumference: k9m1e,
k9m1d, k9m2e, k9m2d, k9m3e, k9m3d; weight: k11m1e, k11m1d, k11m2e, k11m2d, k11m3e,
k11m3d). Argentina included none of the anthropometric measures in their questionnaire. Chile,
Cuba, and Mexico measured blood pressure as part of their questionnaire (Chile: variables k011
and k012; Cuba and Mexico: variables k161s, k161d, k162s, and k162d). There are other
anthropometric measures available including triceps fold and width of the wrist.
The l* variables vary from the questionnaire to the data set. In the questionnaire, they are l1, l2,
etc. while in the data set they are l01, l02, etc.
NOTE B.
Coding of variables varied slightly across SABE countries, especially in the case of Cuba. For
example, Cuba measured height in three separate measurements and thus three separate
variables. Review Cuba questionnaire for more information.

218

Appendix L: Mexico-MHAS original variables

The tables below describe the original variables from the Mexico-MHAS survey that
were used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are
marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that
are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The
variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of
the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the Mexico data that
should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table L1. Respondent

Variable Wording of Question/Description
acthog
Updated household information for 2001.

codent01
codent03
cunicah
ent_tip
ent2
ent4_1
ent4_2
fac_per
murb

Person identification code 2001; should be the
same as ps3.
Same variable as ent2.
Unique household ID for 2001; should be the
same as unhhid.
Type of individual interview.

ps3

Individual code of respondent.
Day of interview in wave 2 (2003).
Month of interview in wave 2 (2003).
Person sample weight.
Community of residence has 100,000 people or
more.
Person ID number for MHAS 2001.

ps31_1
ps31_2
unhhid

Day of interview in wave 1 (2001).
Month of interview in wave 1 (2001).
Unique Household ID number.

Scale (if applicable)
30-one 2001 respondent died, no
new spouse
31-one 2001 respondent died,
new spouse
32-both 2001 respondents died
1-sampled person
2-spouse of sampled person

11 and 12-direct interview
21 and 22-proxy
(day)
(month)
0-less urbanized regions
1-more urbanized regions
1-sampled person
2-spouse of sampled person
(day)
(month)

Table L2. Demographics (see note A)
Panel L2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
sexo

Wording of Question/Description
Respondent’s sex.

edad
a10

Age.
Currently are you…

Scale (if applicable)
1-male
2-female
(continuous)
1-single?
2-married?
3-in a consensual union?
4-divorced?
5-separated from a union?
6-separated from a marriage?
7-widowed from a union?
219

8-widowed from a marriage?

Panel L2.2. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)
Variable
a25

Wording of Question/Description
Not counting vacations and short visits, have
you ever worked or lived in the US?

a26

In total, about how many years have you worked
or lived in the US?

a3_3

How many years of education do you have?

Do you know how to read and write a message?

Can you count from 1 to 10?

a33

Are you currently a permanent resident or
citizen of the United States? (Note: Not a lot of
respondents answered this question.)

am85
entmig

Total consumption.
State of residence is among 6 with highest outmigration to the US in 1990-95 (Durango,
Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit,
Zacatecas).
Individual total income.

income
_i
j10b

In this house do you have a television?

j10c

In this house do you have a refrigerator?

j10d

In this house do you have a washing machine?

j10e

In this house do you have a telephone?

j10f

In this house do you have a water heater?

Scale (if applicable)
0-invalid
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
(years)
01-12 months or less
88-rf
99-dk
[years]
99-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-don’t know
1-permanent resident
2-citizen
3-no, neither of the two
8-rf
9-dk
0-other Mexican state
1-highest out-migration states

1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
220

In this housing unit do you have…?

Does your sanitary facility have…

The fuel that you use the most to cook is…?

k75

Excluding income you have already mentioned,
during the last year did you (and/or your
spouse) receive any monetary or inkind help
from relatives or friends who do not reside here
with you?
If imputed value

k85imp
num_k

Number of individuals to whom section K
referred.

Panel L2.3. Family and Household
Variable
a19

Wording of Question/Description
How many live births have you had? (IF MALE:
How many children have you fathered?)

a20

Of those live births, how many of them are still
alive?

f30

How many siblings who were born alive do you
have?

f31

Of your siblings who were born alive, how many
are living now?

f32

Not counting vacations and short visits, have
any of your siblings ever worked or lived in the

2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-piped water inside your house
2-piped water outside your
house but within your lot
3-other piped water
4-unpiped water (well, river, or
other)
8-rf
9-dk
1-a water connection?
2-a bucket filled with water?
3-no need for water?
4-do not have one
8-rf
9-dk
1-gas
2-wood or coal
3-other (oil, electricity, other)
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
0-no
(number)
Scale (if applicable)
(number)
00-none
88-rf
99-dk
(number)
96-all
88-rf
99-dk
(number)
00-no one
88-rf
99-dk
(number)
96-all
88-rf
99-dk
1-yes
2-no
221

US?

8-rf
9-dk

Table L3. Early Life Conditions
Panel L3.1. Birthplace
Variable
a21

Wording of Question/Description
About how many years have you lived in this
community or have you always lived here?

murb
a1_2

Community of residence has 100,000 people or
more.
On what day, month, and year were you born?

a1_3

On what day, month, and year were you born?

Panel L3.2. Childhood Health, Nutrition, and SES
Variable
a6

Wording of Question/Description
Before you were age ten, did you ever live in the
same house or neighborhood with your
grandparent(s) for more than 6 months?

Before you were age ten, did your house have a
toilet?

Before you were age ten, did you have a serious
health problem that affected your normal
activities for a month or more?

a9a

Before you were age ten, did you ever have any
of the following illnesses or problems?
Tuberculosis

a9b

Before you were age ten, did you ever have any
of the following illnesses or problems?
Rheumatic fever

a9c

Before you were age ten, did you ever have any
of the following illnesses or problems? Polio

a9d

Before you were age ten, did you ever have any
of the following illnesses or problems?
Typhoid fever

a9e

Before you were age ten, did you ever have any
of the following illnesses or problems? A serious

Scale (if applicable)
(years)
00-less than 6 months
01-6-11 months
97-has always live here
88-rf
99-dk
0-less urbanized regions
1-more urbanized regions
(month)
99-don’t know
(year)
9999-don’t know
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
222

blow to the head that made you faint?
c72
f1

f10

f11
f14
f2

f4
f7
f8

8-rf
9-dk
About how tall are you without shoes?
(meters and centimeters)
888-rf
999-dk
What was the final level of school your mother
1-none
completed?
2-some elementary
3-completed elementary
4-more than elementary
8-rf
9-dk
Is your father alive now?
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
How old is your father?
(age)
888-rf
999-dk
How old was your father when he died?
(age)
888-rf
999-dk
Has your mother ever worked or lived in the US? 1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
Is your mother alive now?
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
How old is your mother?
(age)
888-rf
999-dk
How old was your mother when she died?
(age)
888-rf
999-dk
What was the final level of school your father
1-none
completed?
2-some elementary
3-completed elementary
4-more than elementary
8-rf
9-dk
Has your father ever worked or lived in the US?
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
Height.
(centimeters)
995-tried, but couldn’t do it
996-did not try
997-can’t stand up
999-refused
Waist circumference.
(centimeters)
223

Hip circumference.

Measurement of knee height from the ground.

995-tried, but couldn’t do it
996-did not try
997-can’t stand up
999-refused
(centimeters)
995-tried, but couldn’t do it
996-did not try
997-can’t stand up
999-refused
(centimeters)
995-tried, but couldn’t do it
996-did not try
997-can’t stand up
999-refused

Table L4. Adult Lifestyle

Panel L4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
c54

Wording of Question/Description
Have you ever smoked cigarettes? Include more
than 100 cigarettes or five packs in your lifetime.
Do not include pipes or cigars.

c55

Do you smoke cigarettes now?

Panel L4.2. Adult Exercise
Variable
c53

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk

Wording of Question/Description
On average during the last two years, have you
exercised or done hard physical work three or
more times a week? Includes various activities
such as sports, heavy household chores, or other
physical work.

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk

Wording of Question/Description
Do you ever drink any alcoholic beverages such
as beer, wine, liquor, or pulque?

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
3-never have used alcohol
8-rf
9-dk

Panel L4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption (see note A)
Variable
c60

Panel L4.4. Health Care Utilization
Variable
d8_1

Wording of Question/Description
In the last year, about how many times have you
seen a curandero?

d8_2

In the last year, about how many times have you
consulted a homeopath?

Scale (if applicable)
(number of times)
000-none
888-rf
999-dk
(number of times)
000-none
888-rf
224

d8_3

In the last year, about how many times have you
seen a dentist?

d8_4

In the last year, about how many times have you
had outpatient procedures, not counting stays in
the hospital?

d8_5

In the last year, about how many times have you
visited or consulted a doctor or medical
personnel?

999-dk
(number of times)
000-none
888-rf
999-dk
(number of times)
000-none
888-rf
999-dk
(number of times)
000-none
888-rf
999-dk

Table L5. Adult Health Outcomes (see note A)
Panel L5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
c1

Wording of Question/Description
Now I have some questions about your health.
Would you say your health is…

Comparing your health now with your health of
two years ago, would you say your health now
is…

Have you ever seen a doctor or medical
personnel?

Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-fair
5-poor
8-rf
9-dk
1-much better
2-somewhat better
3-more or less the same
4-somewhat worse
5-much worse
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk

Panel L5.2. Anthropometric and Performance Measures (see note A)
Variable
l9_1

Wording of Question/Description
To finish, I need for you to do an exercise to
measure mobility. I'm going to show you how to
do the following exercise. I would like you to try
to do it. If you think that you cannot do it or that
it is too dangerous, please tell me so. While
standing up, please try to balance on one foot
without holding onto or grabbing anything. You
can start with either foot; then we'll try with the
other one. I'm going to time it, so I'll tell you
when to start and when to finish (TEN
SECONDS). We can stop whenever you feel you
are going to lose your balance. Let's start with
the foot on which you feel safest.

Scale (if applicable)
(right foot, did the test in:
number of seconds)
94-missing or injured extremity
95-tried, but couldn’t do it
96-did not try for safety reason
97-can’t stand up
99-refused

225

l9_2

Repeat left foot.

c71

About how much do you weigh now?

Now I’m going to weigh you.

Panel L5.3. Functionality (see note A)
Variable
h1

Wording of Question/Description
Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty walking several blocks?

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty running or jogging 1 kilometer?

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty walking one block?

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty sitting for about 2 hours?

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty getting up from a chair after sitting for
long periods?

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty climbing several flights of stairs
without resting?

(left foot, did the test in: number
of seconds)
94-missing or injured extremity
95-tried, but couldn’t do it
96-did not try for safety reason
97-can’t stand up
99-refused
(kilos)
888-rf
999-dk
(kilograms)
995-tried, but couldn’t do it
996-did not try
997-can’t stand up
999-refused
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
226

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty climbing one flight of stairs without
resting?

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty stooping, kneeling, or crouching?

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty reaching or extending your arms above
shoulder level?

h10

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty pulling or pushing large objects like a
living-room chair?

h11

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty lifting or carrying objects weighing
over 5kg, like a heavy bag of groceries?

h12

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty picking up a 1 peso coin from the
table?

h13

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty dressing including putting on shoes
and socks?

h15_1

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty walking across a room?

h16_1

Because of health problems, do you have

8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
227

difficulty bathing or showering?

h17_1

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty eating, such as cutting up your food?

h18_1

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty getting in or out of bed?

h19_1

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty using the toilet, including getting on
and off the toilet or squatting?

h26_1

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty preparing a hot meal?

h27_1

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty shopping for groceries?

h28_1

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty taking medications?

h29_1

Because of health problems, do you have
difficulty managing your money?

Panel L5.4. Chronic Conditions
Variable
c4

Wording of Question/Description
Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you
that you have hypertension or high blood

2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
6-can’t do
7-doesn’t do
8-rf
9-dk
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
228

pressure?
c6

Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you
that you have diabetes or a high blood sugar
level?

Are you currently taking any oral medication in
order to control your diabetes?

c11_1

With what frequency do you measure your
blood-sugar level or urine-sugar level?

c11_2

With what frequency do you measure your
blood-sugar level or urine-sugar level?

c12

Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you
that you have cancer or a malignant tumor,
excluding minor skin cancer?

c19

Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you
that you have a respiratory illness, such as
asthma, or emphysema?

c22

Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you
that you have had a heart attack?

c27

Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you
that you have had a stroke?

c34

Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you
that you have arthritis or rheumatism?

c39a

Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you
that you have liver or kidney infection?

c39b

Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you
that you have tuberculosis?

c39c

Has a doctor or medical personnel ever told you
that you have pneumonia?

8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
(number of times)
88-rf
99-dk
(per period)
1-week
2-month
3-year
5-never
88-rf
99-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
9-dk
1-yes
2-no
8-rf
229

Panel L5.5. Adult Mortality
Variable
fallecid
o03
sa8b
sa8a_1
sa8a_2
sa6

Wording of Question/Description
Mortality indicator (MHAS created variable).
Number of months between June 2001 and
his/her death (calculated by MHAS).
When did they die (month)?
When did they die (year)?
Cause of death.

9-dk
Scale (if applicable)
0-alive in 2003
1-died between 2001 and 2003
(number of months)

(month)
(year)
1-illness
2-accident or violence
3-other cause
8-rf
9-dk
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above. Soldo,
B.J., Wong, R., Palloni, A., & Instituto Nacional de Estadistica, Geografia e Informatica (INEGI).
Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). Mexican Health and Aging Study [distributor],
accessed 2008-05-29. http://www.mhas.pop.upenn.edu/english/home.htm,
http://www.mhas.pop.upenn.edu/english/documentation.htm.
Notes:
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Table L2. There are additional questions on migration to the United States in Section A
of the Basic Questionnaire.
Note A, Panel L2.2. Several variables that begin with imam reflect imputed income. This was
calculated by MHAS staff using the imam* variables. There is also consumption data in MHAS.
There are several other questions about the respondent’s housing situation, especially
homeownership, in Section J of the Basic Questionnaire.
Note A, Panel L4.1. There are additional questions about smoking in Section C of the Basic
Questionnaire (c56-c59).
Note A, Panel L4.3. There are additional questions about drinking alcohol in Section C of the
Basic Questionnaire (c61-c68).
Note A, Table L5. For diabetes, there is no question regarding when it was diagnosed. Question
c52 asks about respondent’s depression. There are several symptom questions in Section C of
the Basic Questionnaire. In Section SA, there are additional questions about the deceased.
Note A, Panel L5.2. There is a section on cognitive ability in Section E of the Basic
Questionnaire. This is also a measurement for calf circumference (l7) in Section L of the Basic
Questionnaire.
Note A, Panel L5.3. There are additional questions about whether or not the respondent gets
assistance with these tasks in Section H of the Basic Questionnaire.
The variable h12 was used to assess difficulty with eating.
230

NOTE B.
Height and weight were measured for a subset of respondents; all respondents gave selfreported health and weight. These two pieces of information were combined into the final height
and weight measures.

231

Appendix M: Netherlands-SHARE original variables

The tables below describe the original variables from the Netherlands-SHARE survey
that were used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables
are marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables
that are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set.
The variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents
of the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the Netherlands data
that should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table M1. Respondent (see note A)
Variable
mergeid
w1mci
cvid,
relrpers,
mstat

Wording of Question/Description
Respondent ID.
Sampling weight.
Variables used to identify household position.

Scale (if applicable)

Living with spouse/partner.

HO037_

How would you describe the area where you live?

hhid

Variable created by SHARE staff to determine
household identification. Fixed across modules and
waves.
Household identifier, wave 1.
Variable created by SHARE staff to determine type of
respondent.

1-living with spouse
2-living with a partner
3-living as a single
97-other
-1-don’t know
1-a big city
2-the suburbs or
outskirts of a big city
3-a large town
4-a small town
5-a rural area or village

hhid1
status

int_year
int_month
int_year_w2
int_month_
w2
w1vci
w1aci
nowh_amh
nowh_or
nowi_amr

Interview year.
Interview month.
Interview year, wave 2.
Interview month, wave 2.

1-respondent
2-non-respondent,
partner
3-other eligible person
4-other household
member
(2004, 2005, 2006)

Weight for vignette sample.
Weight for two samples jointly.
Variable that explains missing values for the sample
weights. No weights due to missing birth year.
Variable that explains missing values for the sample
weights. No weights, other reason.
Variable that explains missing values for the sample
weights. No weights due to missing age of
respondent.
232

nowi_ne
iv020_

Variable that explains missing values for the sample
weights. No weights due to non-eligible respondent
(born after 1954).
A proxy respondent has answered some or all of the
questions we had for [{name of respondent}]. How is
the proxy respondent related to [{name of
respondent}]?

iv009_

In which type of area is the building located?

ho041_

Who answered the questions in ho

1-spouse/partner
2-child/child-in-law
3-parent/parent-in-law
4-sibling
5-grandchild
6-other relative
7-nursing home staff
8-home helper
9-friend/acquaintance
10-other
1-a big city
2-the suburbs or
outskirts of a big city
3-a large town
4-a small town
5-a rural area or village
1 respondent only
2 respondent and proxy
3 proxy only
-1 don’t know

Table M2. Demographics

Panel M2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
gender
dn003_
yrbirth
mobirth
dn014_

Wording of Question/Description
Variable created by SHARE staff to determine
respondent’s sex.
In which month and year were you born?
Variable created by SHARE staff to determine year of
birth.
Variable created by SHARE staff to determine month
of birth.
Please look at card 4. What is your marital status?

Panel M2.2. Ethnicity, Race and Language (see note A)
Variable
dn006_
dn007_

Wording of Question/Description
In which year did you come to live in the United
Kingdom?
Do you have British citizenship?

Panel M2.3. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)

Scale (if applicable)
1-male
2-female
(month and year)
-1 don’t know
(year)
(month)
1-married and living
together with spouse
2-registered partnership
3-married, living
separated from spouse
4-never married
5-divorced
6-widowed
Scale (if applicable)
(year, 1874-2004)
-1 don’t know
1-yes
5-no

233

Variable
dn010_

Wording of Question/Description
Please look at card 2. What is the highest school
leaving certificate or school degree that you have
obtained?

dn012_

Please look at card 3. Which degrees of higher
education or vocational training do you have?
Interviewer: Code all that apply.

edu

Imputed education variable.

Scale (if applicable)
1-comprehensive school
2-grammar school (not
fee-paying)
3-fee-paying grammar
school
4-sixth form
college/tertiary college
5-public or other private
school
6-elementary school
7-secondary
modern/secondary
school
8-technical school (not
college)
9 “education countryspecific category 9”
10 “education countryspecific category 10”
11 “education countryspecific category 11”
95-no degree yet/still in
school
96-none
97-other type (also
abroad)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-nurses’ training school
2-college of
further/higher
education
3-other college or
training establishment
4-polytechnic/Scottish
Central Institutions
5-university
95-still in higher
education or vocational
training
96-none
97-other (also abroad)
0-pre-primary
education, none
1-primary education or
first stage basic
education
2-lower secondary
education or second
stage of basic
234

iscedy_r

Category of education according to the International
Standard Classification of Education from 1997.

hgtincv
Household total gross income (imputed).
pppx2004
PPP-adjusted exchange rate in 2004 (imputed).
hgtincvi
Household total gross income—imputation flag.
Panel M.4. Family and Household
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
dn034_
Have you ever had any siblings?
dn035_

dn036_
dn037_
ch001_

ch002_
ch021_

3-upper secondary
education
4-post-secondary nontertiary education
5-first stage of tertiary
education
6-second stage of
tertiary education
0-pre-primary
education, none
1-primary education or
first stage basic
education
2-lower secondary
education or second
stage of basic
3-upper secondary
education
4-post-secondary nontertiary education
5-first stage of tertiary
education
6-second stage of
tertiary education

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
5-no
-2 refusal
Were you the oldest child, the youngest child, or
1-oldest
somewhere in-between?
2-youngest
3-in-between
-1 don’t know
How many brothers do you have that are still alive?
(0-20)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
And how many sisters do you have that are still alive? (0-20)
-1 don’t know
Now I will ask some questions about your children.
(number, range: 0-20)
How many children do you have that are still alive?
Please count all natural children, fostered, adopted
and stepchildren [, including those of] [your
husband/your wife/your partner].
[Is this child a natural children/Are these children
1-yes
natural children] of your own [and your current
5-no
spouse or partner]?
-2 refusal
How many grandchildren do you [and your]
(number, range: 0-20)
[husband/wife/partner] have altogether? IWER:
-2 refusal
235

ch022_
hhsize
ho034_

ho035_
ho037_

mstat

Include grandchildren of spouse or partner from
previous relationships.
Do you [or your] [husband/wife/partner] have any
great-grandchildren?
Variable created by SHARE staff to determine
household size.
How many years have you been living in your present
accommodation? Interviewer: Round up to full years.
And approximately how many years have you been
living in your present town? Interviewer: Round up
to full years.
Please look at card 30. How would you describe the
area where you live? Interviewer: Read out.

Variable created by SHARE staff to determine living
arrangements.

-1 don’t know
1-yes
5-no
(number of years; range
0-120)
-2 refusal
-1 don’t know
(number of years; range
0-120)
1-a big city
2-the suburbs or
outskirts of a big city
3-a large town
4-a small town
5-a rural area or village
-1-don’t know
1-living with a spouse
2-living with a partner
3-living as a single
97-other

Table M3. Early Life Conditions (see note A)
Panel M3.1. Birthplace
Variable
dn004_

Wording of Question/Description
Were you born in the United Kingdom?

mobirth

Variable created by SHARE staff to determine month
of birth.
Variable created by SHARE staff to determine year of
birth.

yrbirth

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
5-no
-1 don’t know
(month)
(year)

Panel M3.2. Childhood Health and Nutrition (see note A)
Variable
ph013_

Wording of Question/Description
How tall are you?

Panel M3.3. Childhood SES
Variable
isco_mo

Wording of Question/Description
What is or was the last job [your] mother had? Please
give the exact description.

text_mo

What is or was the last job [your] mother had? Please

Scale (if applicable)
IWER: Length in
centimeters, UK: Feet
dot inches
-1 don’t know
Scale (if applicable)
(coded according
International Standard
Classification
Occupation version 88
(ISCO-88) occupational
categories)
(written label given to
236

isco_fa

text_fa

give the exact description.
What is or was the last job [your] father had? Please
give the exact description.

dn026_1

What is or was the last job [your] father had? Please
give the exact description.
Is [your] [natural] mother still alive?

dn026_2

Is [your] [natural] father still alive?

dn027_1

How old was [your] mother when she died?

dn027_2

How old was [your] father when he died?

dn028_1
dn028_2
dn033_

How old is [your] mother now?
How old is [your] father now?
How would you describe the health of [your]
[mother/father]? Would you say it is: Interviewer:
Read out.

isco_mo)
(coded according
International Standard
Classification
Occupation version 88
(ISCO-88) occupational
categories)
(written label given to
isco_fa)
1-yes
5-no
-2 refusal
1-yes
5-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(age; range 10-120)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(age; range 10-120)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(age; range 18-120)
(age; range 18-120)
1-very good
2-good
3-fair
4-poor
5-very poor
-1 don’t know

Table M4. Adult Lifestyle

Panel M4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
br001_

br002_

Wording of Question/Description
The following questions are about smoking and
drinking alcoholic beverages. Have you ever smoked
cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos or a pipe daily for a
period of at least one year?
Do you smoke at the present time?

Panel M4.2. Adult Exercise
Variable
br015_

Wording of Question/Description
We would like to know about the type and amount of
physical activity you do in your daily life. How often
do you engage in vigorous physical activity, such as
sports, heavy housework, or a job that involves
physical labour? Interviewer: read out.

br016_

How often do you engage in activities that require a
low or moderate level of energy such as gardening,

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
5-no
1-yes
5-no, I have stopped
Scale (if applicable)
1-more than once a
week
2-once a week
3-one to three times a
month
4-hardly ever, or never
1-more than once a
week
237

cleaning the car, or doing a walk? Interviewer: read
out.

Panel M4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption
Variable
br010_

Wording of Question/Description
I am now going to ask you a few questions about
what you drink-that is if you drink. Please look at
card 11. During the last six months, how often have
you drunk any alcoholic beverages, like beer, cider,
wine, spirits or cocktails?

br011_

Please look at card 11. During the last six months,
how often have you had more than two glasses or
cans of beer or cider in a single day?

br012_

Please look at card 11. During the last six months,
how often have you had more than two glasses of
wine in a single day?

br013_

Please look at card 11. During the last six months,
how often have you had more than two cocktails or
drinks of hard liquor in a single day?

Panel M4.4. Health Care Utilization
Variable
hc002_

Wording of Question/Description
Now we have some questions about your health care.
Please think about your care during the last twelve

2-once a week
3-one to three times a
month
4-hardly ever, or never
Scale (if applicable)
1-almost every day
2-five or six days a week
3-three or four days a
week
4-once or twice a week
5-once or twice a month
6-less than once a
month
7-not at all in the last 6
months
1-almost every day
2-five or six days a week
3-three or four days a
week
4-once or twice a week
5-once or twice a month
6-less than once a
month
7-not at all in the last 6
months
1-almost every day
2-five or six days a week
3-three or four days a
week
4-once or twice a week
5-once or twice a month
6-less than once a
month
7-not at all in the last 6
months
1-almost every day
2-five or six days a week
3-three or four days a
week
4-once or twice a week
5-once or twice a month
6-less than once a
month
7-not at all in the last 6
months
Scale (if applicable)
(number from 0-98)
-1 don’t know
238

hc003_
hc004_
hc010_

hc012_

months. Since
[January/February/March/April/May/June/July/A
ugust/ September/October/November/December]
[{last year}], about how many times in total have you
seen or talked to a medical doctor about your health?
Please exclude dentist visits and hospital stays, but
include emergency room or outpatient clinic visits.
(IWER: If more than 98, enter 98.)
How many of these contacts were with a general
practitioner or with a doctor at your health care
center? (IWER: If more than 98, enter 98.)
Please look at card 12. During the last twelve months,
have you consulted any of the specialists mentioned
on card 12?
During the last twelve months, have you seen a
dentist or dental hygienist? (IWER: Visits for routine
controls, for dentures and stomatology consultations
included.)
During the last twelve months, have you been in a
hospital overnight? Please consider stays in medical,
surgical, psychiatric or in any other specialized
wards.

(number from 0-98)
1-yes
5-no
-1 don’t know
1-yes
5-no
-1 don’t know
1-yes
5-no
-1 don’t know

Table M5. Adult Health Outcomes
Panel M5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
ph002_

Wording of Question/Description
Would you say your health is…

ph003_

Would you say your health is…

srhealtha

Self-reported health (imputed from the first data set
using the United States scale).

Scale (if applicable)
1-very good
2-good
3-fair
4-bad
5very bad
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-fair
5-poor
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-fair
5-poor

Panel M5.2. Anthropometric and Performance Measures (see note A)
Variable
ph012_

Wording of Question/Description
Approximately how much do you weigh?

gs006_

Now I would like to assess the strength of your hand
in a gripping exercise. I will ask you to squeeze this
handle as hard as you can, just for a couple of

Scale (if applicable)
IWER: Weight in kilos,
UK: Stone dot pounds
-2 refusal
-1 don’t know
(result, range: 0-100)

239

gs007_
gs008_

seconds and then let go. I will take two alternate
measurements from your right and your left hand.
Interviewer: position the respondent correctly.
Adjust dynamometer to hand size by turning the
lever and reset arrow at zero. Explain the procedure
once again. Let respondent have a practice with one
hand. Use scorecard to record the results and enter
results into computer after test is finished.
First measurement, left hand.
Second measurement, left hand.
First measurement, right hand.

gs009_

Second measurement, right hand.

ws010_

Now we have a different kind of exercise that
involves walking a short distance. IWER: Take
interviewer booklet, set up the walking course and
demonstrate the walk for the respondent.
Result of first trial.

ws011_

Time of first walking speed test.

ws012_

Result of second trial.

ws013_

Time of second walking speed test.

(result, range: 0-100)
(result, range: 0-100)
-2 refusal
(result, range: 0-100)
-2 refusal
1-completed successfully
2-attempted but unable
to complete
3-stopped by the
interviewer because of
safety reasons
4-not attempted,
respondent felt it would
be unsafe
5-participant unable to
understand instructions
6-respondent refused
(time in seconds to two
decimal places, range:
0.00-20.00)
1-completed successfully
2-attempted but unable
to complete
3-stopped by the
interviewer because of
safety reasons
4-not attempted,
respondent felt it would
be unsafe
5-participant unable to
understand instructions
6-respondent refused
(time in seconds to two
decimal places, range:
0.00-20.00)

Panel M5.3. Self-Reported Health and Vignettes (see note A)
Variable
v1

Wording of Question/Description
Overall in the last 30 days, how much of bodily aches
or pains did you have?

Scale (if applicable)
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
240

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you have
with sleeping such as falling asleep, waking up
frequently during the night or waking up too early in
the morning?

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem
did you have with moving around?

Overall in the last 30 days how much difficulty did
you have with concentrating or remembering things?

In the last 30 days, how much of a problem did you
have because of shortness of breath?

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem
did you have with feeling sad, low, or depressed?

Do you have any impairment or health problem that
limits the kind or amount of work you can do?

v8, v10, v12,
v26, v27,
v28, v32,
v33, v34
v9, v11, v13
v14, v16, v18
v15, v17, v19
v20, v22, v24
v21, v23, v25,
v29,v30, v31

Pain vignettes.

1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme

Sleeping vignettes.
Mobility vignettes.
Cognition vignettes.
Respiratory vignettes.
Depression vignettes.

Panel M5.4. Functionality (see note A)
Variable
ph048d1

ph048d2
ph048d3
ph048d4

Wording of Question/Description
Because of a health problem, do you have difficulty
walking 100 meters?

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
Because of a health problem, do you have difficulty
1-yes
sitting for about 2 hours?
0-no
Because of a health problem, do you have difficulty
1-yes
getting up from a chair after sitting for long periods? 0-no
Because of a health problem, do you have difficulty
1-yes
241

ph048d5
ph048d6
ph048d7
ph048d8
ph048d9
ph048d10
ph049d1
ph049d2
ph049d3
ph049d4
ph049d5
ph049d6
ph049d7
ph049d8
ph049d9
ph049d10
ph049d11
ph049d12
ph049d13

climbing several flights of stairs without resting?
Because of a health problem, do you have difficulty
climbing one flight of stairs without resting?
Because of a health problem, do you have difficulty
stooping, kneeling, or crouching?
Because of a health problem, do you have difficulty
reaching or extending your arms above shoulder
level?
Because of a health problem, do you have difficulty
pulling or pushing large objects like a living room
chair?
Because of a health problem, do you have difficulty
lifting or carrying weights over 10 pounds/5 kilos,
like a heavy bag of groceries?
Because of a health problem, do you have difficulty
picking up a small coin from a table?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty dressing, including putting on shoes
and socks?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty walking across a room?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty bathing or showering?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty eating, such as cutting up your food?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty getting in or out of bed?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty using the toilet, including getting up
or down?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty using a map?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty preparing a hot meal?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty shopping for groceries?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty making telephone calls?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty taking medications?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty doing work around the house or
garden?
Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty managing money, such as paying bills
and keeping track of expenses?

0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no

Wording of Question/Description
Some people suffer from chronic or long-term
health problems. By long-term we mean it has
troubled you over a period of time or is likely to

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
5-no
-1 missing or not

Panel M5.5. Chronic Conditions (see note A)
Variable
ph004_

1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no

242

ph005_

ph006d01

ph006d02

ph006d03

ph006d04

ph006d05

ph006d06

ph006d07

ph006d08

ph006d09

ph006d10

affect you over a period of time. Do you have any
long-term health problems, illness, disability or
infirmity? (Interviewer: Including mental health
problems.)
For the past six months at least, to what extent have
you been limited because of a health problem in
activities people usually do? (Interviewer: Read
out.)
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions. A
heart attack including myocardial infarction or
coronary thrombosis or any other heart problem
including congestive heart failure.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
High blood pressure or hypertension.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
High blood cholesterol.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions. A
stroke or cerebral vascular disease.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Diabetes or high blood sugar.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Chronic lung disease such as chronic bronchitis or
emphysema.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Asthma.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, or rheumatism.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Osteoporosis.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Cancer or malignant tumour, including leukaemia

applicable
-2 refused
1-severely limited
2-limited, but not
severely
3-not limited
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
243

ph006d11

ph006d12

ph006d13

ph006d14

ph006dno

ph006dot

ph009_1
ph009_10
ph009_11

or lymphoma, but excluding minor skin cancers.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Stomach or duodenal ulcer, peptic ulcer.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Parkinson disease.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Cataracts.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Hip fracture or femoral fracture.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
None.
Please look at card 6. Has a doctor ever told you that
you had any of the conditions on this card? Please
tell me the number or numbers of the conditions.
Other conditions, not yet mentioned.
About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had a heart attack or any other
heart problem?
About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had cancer?
About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had stomach or duodenal ulcer?

ph009_12

About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had Parkinson disease?

ph009_13

About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had cataracts?
About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had hip fracture or femoral
fracture?
About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had high blood pressure?

ph009_14
ph009_2
ph009_3

About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had high blood cholesterol?

ph009_4

About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had a stroke or cerebral vascular
disease?
About how old were you when you were first told by

ph009_5

1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
1-yes
0-no
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
(range: 0-125)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
(range: 0-125)
(range: 0-125)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
244

a doctor that you had diabetes?
ph009_6

About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had chronic lung disease?

ph009_7

About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had asthma?

ph009_8

About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had arthritis or rheumatism?

ph009_9

About how old were you when you were first told by
a doctor that you had osteoporosis?

Panel M5.6. Adult Mortality
Variable
deadoralive

-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal
(range: 0-125)
-1 don’t know
-2 refusal

Wording of Question/Description
Whether the respondent is dead or alive.

Scale (if applicable)
0-unknown
1-alive
2-dead
xt008_
Month of death.
(month)
xt009_
Year of death.
(year)
xt010_
Age at the moment of death.
(age)
xt011_
Main cause of death.
1-cancer
2-heart attack
3-stroke
4-other cardiovascular
related illness
5-repiratory disease
6-disease of the
digestive system
7-severe infectious
disease
8-accient
9-other, specify
-1-don’t know
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above.
Mannheim Research Institute for Economics of Ageing (MEA). Survey of Health, Ageing and
Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Research Data Center [distributor], accessed 2011-05-12.
http://www.share-project.org/, http://www.share-project.org/data-accessdocumentation.html.
Notes:
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Table M1. In terms of current residence, the Netherlands has the variable HO037 but
response to this question was very low and it was not used to identify current residence.
There are household and individual weights available in the Netherlands data. There are also
weights for the main sample, vignette sample, and those two samples jointly. The variable
wgtmic (renamed w1mic) is for the main sample only; variable wgtvci (renamed w1vci) is for
the vignette sample only; variable wgtaci (renamed w1aci) is for the two samples jointly. The
245

vignettes were randomly selected from the main sample and so wgtaci (renamed w1aci) was
used as the sampling weight in the cross national data set to include both samples.
The variables w1mci_f, w1vci_f, and w1aci_f act as indicators of cases for which there are no
weights. The variable nowh_amh indicates for which cases there were no weights due to the
respondent’s missing birth year data; nowh_or indicates that there is an “other” reason for there
being no weights; nowi_amr indicates for which cases there were no weights due to the
respondent’s missing age data; and nowi_ne indicates for which cases there were no weights to
the respondent being non-eligible (i.e., born after 1954). See the Netherlands-SHARE user guide
for a more detailed explanation.
Note A, Panel M2.3. Household income PPP-adjusted (hhincome_p) was created using
hgtincv/pppx2004. There is consumption data in section CO of the questionnaire.
The variables dn012_, hgtincv, hgtincvi, and pppx2004 are available in the questionnaire but
not in the Netherlands-SHARE data file. Variables hgtincv, hgtincvi, and pppx2004 do not
appear in the data file because there were multiple values per household and so averages were
calculated across imputed income data to arrive at the final constructed variable for household
income.
Note A, Table M3. Wave 3 of The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, the
retrospective survey (SHARE-LIFE), includes an extensive life history starting from early
childhood. There is a childhood section, a childhood health care section which includes
information on vaccinations and self-rated childhood health, and a section on childhood
accommodation. All variables beginning with sl_* reflect early childhood conditions.
Note A, Panel M3.2. There are extensive variables available in the questionnaire on childhood
health and nutrition.
Note A, Panel M4.1. There are additional questions about smoking, including the years smoked,
average amount, what the respondent smoked, and when the respondent quit.
Note A, Panel M5.2. There are cognitive questions included in Section CF of the questionnaire,
and questions regarding depression in section MH of the questionnaire.
Note A, Panel M5.3. There are also vignettes for wave 2. Those variables range from v1-v32 and
are slightly different from wave 1 but are not included here in the database.
Note A, Panel M5.4. In some cases, the variables obtained from the questionnaire do not exactly
match those in the Stata dta file. For example, variable ph048d01 found in the questionnaire
appears as ph048d1 in the Stata dta file; variable ph049d01 found in the questionnaire appears
as ph049d1 in the Stata dta file.
Note A, Panel M5.5. In some cases, the variables obtained from the questionnaire do not exactly
match those in the Stata dta file. For example, variable ph006d01 found in the questionnaire
appears as ph006d1 in the Stata dta file.

246

Appendix N: Puerto Rico-PREHCO original variables

The tables below describe the original variables from the Puerto Rico-PREHCO survey
that were used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables
are marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables
that are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set.
The variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents
of the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the Puerto Rico data
that should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table N1. Respondent
Variable
caseid
fac_t

fecha
proxy_PR

Wording of Question/Description
ID for respondents.
Consideration Factor for data Principle Interview
(calculated variable).
Completion date of interview
Type of proxy used for principal interview

Scale (if applicable)

Mm/dd/year
0-no proxy
2-minmental
3-interviwer

Proxy

Type of proxy.

0-there is no proxy
1-by principle interviewee
2-by spouse
3-by another person

tipo_e

Interview target type (calculated)

1-regular target
2-proxy target
3-target institutionalized
4-target deceased

wtype_II
qjefe

Type of interview.
Calculated from variable C3: Of all the people that
you have named, who is the head of the household?

pare_r61

What is the relationship of [NAME of sibling in
position 1] to you? Read each until you obtain an
affirmative response.

pare_r62

What is the relationship of [NAME of sibling in
position 2] to you? Read each until you obtain an
affirmative response.

1-target
Indicate the register
number of the head of
household.
13-full-sibling—same
mother and father
14-half-sibling—same
father
15-half-sibling—same
mother
16-step-sibling
17-non-blood related
sibling
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
13-full-sibling—same
mother and father
14-half-sibling—same
father
247

pare_r63

What is the relationship of [NAME of sibling in
position 3] to you? Read each until you obtain an
affirmative response.

15-half-sibling—same
mother
16-step-sibling
17-non-blood related
sibling
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
13-full-sibling—same
mother and father
14-half-sibling—same
father
15-half-sibling—same
mother
16-step-sibling
17-non-blood related
sibling
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer

Table N2. Demographics (see note A)
Panel N2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
sexo

Wording of Question/Description
Sex of respondent.

How old are you?

mari_r1

Calculated from variable C11: What is the marital
status of [NAME]?

Panel N2.2. Ethnicity, Race and Language
Variable
r2

Wording of Question/Description
If you had to classify and describe yourself using
one of the following categories, which would you
choose?

Scale (if applicable)
1-male
2-female
(years of age)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-Is he/she married?
2-Does he/she cohabitate
without being married?
3-Is he/she widowed?
4-Is he/she divorced?
5-Is he/she separated?
6-Has he/she never been
married?
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
Scale (if applicable)
1-black
2-mulatto/a, mixed or wheatcolored (black or white)
3-white
4-mestizo/a (Indian or white)
5-other
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer

248

Panel N2.3. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)
Variable
c10r1

Wording of Question/Description
What was the last grade in school completed by
[NAME]? If C7>3, if older than 3 years of age.

c8r1

Does [NAME] know how to read? (If C7>3, if older
than 3 years of age.)

c9r1

Does [NAME] know how to write? (If C7>3, if older
than 3 years of age.)

income
n51a_2
n51a_3

Calculated from yn5* variables listed in the note.
How much do you receive per source? Job.
How often do you receive this income? Job.

n51b_2

How much do you receive per source? Social
security.
How often do you receive this income? Social
security.

n51b_3

n51c_2
n51c_3

How much do you receive per source? Retirement or
pension.
How often do you receive this income? Retirement
or pension.

Scale (if applicable)
00-did not go to school or has
not completed any grade
(grade completed 01-12)
13-other grade that requires
advanced schooling (nurse
practitioner, technical or
vocational degree, 2 year
secretarial)
14-bachelor’s degree not
obtained (did not graduate
from college)
15-bachelor’s degree obtained
(college graduate)
16-graduate school
17-other
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-knows how to read
2-does not know how to read
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-knows how to write
2-does not know how to write
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-weekly
2-biweekly
3-monthly
4-less than one month
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-weekly
2-biweekly
3-monthly
4-less than one month
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-weekly
2-biweekly
3-monthly
4-less than one month
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
249

n51g_2
n51g_3

n51h_2
n51h_3

n51i_2
n51i_3

n51j_2
n51j_3

n51k_2
n51k_3

n51l_2
n51l_3

p13

How much do you receive per source? Help from
family members in the USA.
How often do you receive this income? Help from
family members in the USA.

How much do you receive per source? Help from
family members in Puerto Rico.
How often do you receive this income? Help from
family members in Puerto Rico.

How much do you receive per source? Rental of
properties or rooms.
How often do you receive this income? Rental of
properties or rooms.

How much do you receive per source? Social welfare
subsidy.
How often do you receive this income? Social
welfare subsidy.

How much do you receive per source? Nutritional
assistance program.
How often do you receive this income? Nutritional
assistance program.

How much do you receive per source? Some other
type of income source not mentioned.
How often do you receive this income? Some other
type of income source not mentioned.

The water in this house comes from…? Read each
option until you get an affirmative response.

1-weekly
2-biweekly
3-monthly
4-less than one month
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-weekly
2-biweekly
3-monthly
4-less than one month
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-weekly
2-biweekly
3-monthly
4-less than one month
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-weekly
2-biweekly
3-monthly
4-less than one month
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-weekly
2-biweekly
3-monthly
4-less than one month
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-weekly
2-biweekly
3-monthly
4-less than one month
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-adueduct
2-reservoir
3-rural aqueduct
250

p19

What type of combustible is used to cook in this
house? Allow the interviewee to answer
spontaneously and if he/she doesn’t know, read
each option until you obtain an affirmative answer.

p20

Does this house have a toilet inside the house,
outside the house or does it not have a toilet?

p21b

Does this house have a washing machine?

p21c

Does this house have a dryer?

p21d

Does this house have a water heater?

p21g

Does this house have a telephone?

p21j

Does this house have an air conditioning unit (at
least one)?

Panel N2.4. Family and Household
Variable
l20a

Wording of Question/Description
How many siblings did you have in total?

l20a2

How many of them are alive?

mari_r61

Civil status

4-packaged water
5-other
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-pipeline gas
2-liquid gas
3-electricity
4-carbon or wood
5-other
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes, inside the house
2-yes, outside the house
3-does not have a toilet
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
Scale (if applicable)
(total siblings)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(if l20a=0, -1 or -2, go to l21)
(number of siblings alive)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(if l20a2=0, -1 or -2, go to l21)
1-is married with papers
2-cohabitates without having
married
3-is widowed
4-is divorced
251

mari_r62

Civil status (n2)

mari_r63

Civil status (n3)

dd61

The position in which the sibling is duplicated in
another roster.

dd62

The position in which the second sibling is
duplicated in another roster.

pos62
pos63
sexo_r61

edad_r61

Position 2 in siblings roster.
Position 3 in siblings roster.
Is [NAME of sibling in position 1] a man or a
woman? Interviewer: Ask only if you are unsure of
the gender.
Is [NAME of sibling in position 2] a man or a
woman? Interviewer: Ask only if you are unsure of
the gender.
Is [NAME of sibling in position 3] a man or a
woman? Interviewer: Ask only if you are unsure of
the gender.
How old is [NAME of sibling in position 1]?

edad_r62

How old is [NAME of sibling in position 2]?

sexo_r62
sexo_r63

5-is separated
6-has never been married
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-is married with papers
2-cohabitates without having
married
3-is widowed
4-is divorced
5-is separated
6-has never been married
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-is married with papers
2-cohabitates without having
married
3-is widowed
4-is divorced
5-is separated
6-has never been married
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
0- not duplicated
2-duplicated in record 2
3-duplicated in record 3
4-duplicated in record 4
5- duplicated in record 5
7-duplicated in record 7
0- not duplicated
2-duplicated in record 2
3-duplicated in record 3
4-duplicated in record 4
5- duplicated in record 5
7-duplicated in record 7
(position)
(position)
1-man
2-woman
1-man
2-woman
1-man
2-woman
(age in years)
000-less than one year old
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(age in years)
000-less than one year old
252

edad_r63

How old is [NAME of sibling in position 3]?

dond_r61

Where does [NAME of sibling in position 1] live? Let
the interviewee answer spontaneously and if you
don’t have specific enough information, read the
options that apply.

dond_r62

Where does [NAME of sibling in position 1] live? Let
the interviewee answer spontaneously and if you
don’t have specific enough information, read the
options that apply.

dond_r63

Where does [NAME of sibling in position 1] live? Let
the interviewee answer spontaneously and if you
don’t have specific enough information, read the
options that apply.

d11

How many live births did you have? Do not include
stepchildren, adopted children, abortions, or
stillbirths.
How many of these children are still alive?

d12
d13

How many stepchildren do you have who are still
alive?

d14

How many [of] your adopted children and children
you raised (who were not your biological or adopted
children) are still alive?

-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(age in years)
000-less than one year old
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-here in this house
2-in another house but in this
neighborhood
3-in another neighborhood but
in this same town
4-in another town in Puerto
Rico
5-in the United States
6-in another country
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-here in this house
2-in another house but in this
neighborhood
3-in another neighborhood but
in this same town
4-in another town in Puerto
Rico
5-in the United States
6-in another country
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-here in this house
2-in another house but in this
neighborhood
3-in another neighborhood but
in this same town
4-in another town in Puerto
Rico
5-in the United States
6-in another country
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
number of children
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
number of children alive
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
number of stepchildren
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
number of adopted or raised
children
-1-does not know
253

c1num

So that there is/are [number] of individual(s) who
form(s) a part of this household?

-2-does not answer
(number of individuals in the
household)

Table N3. Early Life Conditions
Panel N3.1. Birthplace
Variable
a2_a
a2_m
a3

a3e_2
a3m_2
a3m_2_
update
o1e_2

o1m_2

Wording of Question/Description
In which month and year were you born?

Scale (if applicable)
(year)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
In which month and year were you born?
(month)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
In which country were you born?
1-in Puerto Rico in this
municipality
2-another municipality in
Puerto Rico
3-in the United States
4-in the Dominican Republic
5-in another country
In which country were you born? State in the US.
3- state in the United States
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
In which country were you born? Another municipality (name of municipality
in Puerto Rico
Constructed variable within PREHCO, refers to birth
(name of municipality)
municipality.
Where did you live during most of your life before
(name of state in the United
turning 18 years old? If he/she answers in Puerto Rico, States)
inquire as to which municipality. If the interviewee
indicates the United States, inquire as to which state.
If the interviewee indicates another country, inquire as
to which country. Use census codes for the
municipality and the state.
Where did you live during most of your life before
(name of other municipality in
turning 18 years old? If he/she answers in Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico)
inquire as to which municipality. If the interviewee
indicates the United States, inquire as to which state.
If the interviewee indicates another country, inquire as
to which country. Use census codes for the
municipality and the state.
Where did you live during most of your life before
1-in Puerto Rico in this
turning 18 years old?
municipality
2-in another municipality in
Puerto Rico
3-in the United States
4-in the Dominican Republic
5-in another country
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
254

Would you say that before turning 18 years old you
lived mostly in the countryside, in the city, in the
suburbs or in another place?

o10a

How many times did you live in the United States for
three months or more after turning 18?

o10b

How many years in total did you live in the United
States?

Did you move to another city, to the United States or
to some other country after turning 18 years old?

How many times did you move from one city to
another, to the United States or to another country
after turning 18 years old?

Where did you live before moving to the town where
you currently live?

Where did you go live the first time you moved after
turning 18?

o11

Do you currently spend three or more months per year
outside of the United States, that is do you come and
go for spells of time?
For how many years did you live in [place named in
o8]

Panel N3.1. Childhood Health
Variable
h14

Wording of Question/Description
How would you describe your health as a child or

1-in the countryside
2-in the city
3-in the suburbs
4-another place
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
number of times
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
number of years
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(number of times)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1--in Puerto Rico in this
municipality
2-in another municipality in
Puerto Rico
3-in the United States
4-in the Dominican Republic
5-in another country
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-in Puerto Rico in this
municipality
2-in another municipality in
Puerto Rico
3-in the United States
4-in the Dominican Republic
5-in another country
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer

1-Yes
2-No
-1-Does not know
-2-Does not answer
(years)
Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
255

adolescent? Would you say your health as a child or
adolescent was excellent, very good, good, average, or
bad?

h15

When you were a child or adolescent, how many times
were you unable to go to school for one month or more
because you were ill? Would you say never, once,
occasionally or many times?

h16

When you were a child or adolescent, did you stop
doing something that children your age commonly do
because of health problems? Would you say this
happened frequently, occasionally, or never?

h17a

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Typhus fever

h17b

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Hepatitis

h17c

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Tuberculosis

h17d

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Rheumatic fever

h17e

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Polio

h17f

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Malaria

h17g

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Dengue

h17h

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Measles

h17i

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you

2-very good
3-good
4-average
5-bad
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-never
2-once
3-occasionally
4-many times
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-frequently
2-occasionally
3-never
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
256

were a child or adolescent? Chicken pox
h17j

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Mumps

h17k

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Small pox

h17l

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Pneumonia

h17m

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Asthma

h17n

I’m going to name some illnesses. Could you tell me if
you remember suffering from any of these when you
were a child or adolescent? Chronic bronchitis

Panel N3.3. Childhood Nutrition
Variable
g171a_1
g171a_2
u1_p
u2_p
u3_p
u5_p
wu6ch
wu6e_1

Wording of Question/Description
Could you tell me approximately how tall you are?
Could you tell me approximately how tall you are?
Height in inches.
Circumference of waist in inches.
Circumference of hip in inches.
Height of knee in inches.
Chair height.
Height from the head to the height of the chair.

wu6e_2

Height from the head to the floor.

wu6l1
wu6l2

Computed length of the leg.
Computed length of the leg.

Variable
h1

Wording of Question/Description
In general, would you say that the economic
conditions in the household in which you grew up
were good, average or bad?

Panel N3.4. Childhood SES

-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
Scale (if applicable)
(measurement in feet)
(measurement in inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
-15-does not apply to the
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to the
deceased target
(inches)
-15-does not apply to the
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to the
deceased target
-3-undetermined, data
unavailable
(inches)
(inches)
Scale (if applicable)
1-good
2-average
3-bad
-1-does not know
257

Did you suffer economic hardship that prevented you
from eating regularly, adequately clothing yourself or
receiving the necessary medical attention?

h2a

Did your father know how to read? Interviewer: If
necessary, clarify that you mean the father that raised
him/her.

h2b

Did your father know how to write?

h3a

What level of education did your father complete?

code_h4

Father’s occupation.

rcode_h
4

What type of occupation would you say was the
primary occupation of your father?

Do you remember by chance if your father was
unemployed for long periods of time? Would you say
this occurred frequently, occasionally, never or when it
was no longer harvest season? Interviewer: If
necessary, clarify that long periods of time means a

-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
0-he did not go to school
1-he went to school but he did
not complete eighth grade
2-he went to school and he
completed eighth grade or
higher
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(codified variable, write the
occupation as indicated by the
interviewee. For information
on the codes, please refer to
the PREHCO website:
prehco.rcm.upr.edu.
(write the occupation as
indicated by the interviewee)
1-management occupations
2-professional and related
occupations
3-services and sales
occupations
4-offices and administrative
support occupations
5-farming, fishing, and
forestry occupations
6-construction, extraction and
maintenances occupations
7-production, transportation
and material moving
occupations
0-not applicable
99-missing
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer

258

period of one month or more.

h6_1

Do you remember by chance if your father was
unemployed for long periods of time?

h6_2

Would you say this occurred frequently, occasionally,
never or when it was no longer harvest season?

h6a

Did your mother know how to read? Interviewer: If
necessary, clarify that you mean the mother that raised
him/her.

h6b

Did your mother know how to write?

h6c

What level of education did your mother complete?

h6d

What type of occupation would you say was the
primary occupation of your mother?
What type of occupation would you say was the
occupation of your mother (if answered 1-other to h6d,
please specify)?

code_h6
d
h7_1

Do you remember by chance if your mother was
unemployed for long periods of time?

h7_2

Would you say this occurred frequently, occasionally,
never or when it was no longer harvest season?

1-frequently
2-occaisionally
3-never
4-when it was no longer
harvest season
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-frequently
2-occasionally
3-never
4-when it was no longer
harvest season
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-n0
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
0-she did not go to school
1-she went to school but she
did not complete eighth grade
2-she went to school and she
completed eighth grade or
higher
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
000-homemaker
1-other
(codified variable, write the
occupation as indicated by the
interviewee)
(specify)
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-frequently
2-occasionally
3-never
4-when it was no longer
harvest season
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
259

When you were a child or adolescent, were there
periods of time in which you and your siblings had to
leave school and work in order to help your parents?

h8a

Did your parents get divorced before you turned 15
years old?

d15

Is your biological or blood-related father alive?

d17

How old was your biological or blood-related father
when he died?

d18

Is your biological or blood-related mother alive?

d20

How old was your biological or blood-related mother
when she died?

1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-my parents never lived
together
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(age)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not answer
-2-does not answer
(age)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer

Table N4. Adult Lifestyle

Panel N4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
g161

Wording of Question/Description
Have you smoked one hundred cigarettes or more in
your life?

g162

Do you currently smoke?

Panel N4.2. Adult Exercise
Variable
g167

Wording of Question/Description
In the last year, have you engaged in any of the
following activities: sports, jogging, walking, dancing
or heavy labor, three or more times a week?

Panel N4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption (see note A)
Variable
g155

Wording of Question/Description
In the last 3 months, on average, how many days a
week have you consumed alcoholic beverages (like for
example beer, wine, rum or another drink that has
alcohol)?

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
Scale (if applicable)
1-he/she did not consume any
2-less than one day a week
3-one day a week
4-two or three days a week
5-four to six days a week
260

Panel N4.4. Adult Diet
Variable
g154

Wording of Question/Description
How many complete meals do you make a day,
including breakfast?

Panel N4.5. Health Care Utilization
Variable
k25

Wording of Question/Description
How many times have you gone to the doctor’s office
in the last twelve months?

k30

How many times have you visited the office of one of
these professionals in the last twelve months? These
include therapists, dieticians, nutritionists, podiatrists,
optometrists, audiologists, and chiropractors.

6-every day
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
Scale (if applicable)
(number of meals)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
Scale (if applicable)
(number of times)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(number)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer

Table N5. Adult Health Outcomes (see note A)
Panel N5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
g1

Wording of Question/Description
Would you say that you’re currently in excellent
health, very good health, good health, average health,
or bad health?

Compared to your health last year, would you say that
your current health is better, the same or worse?

Compared to other people your age, would you say
that your health is better, the same or worse?

Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-average
5-bad
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-better
2-same
3-worse
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-better
2-same
3-worse
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer

Panel N5.2. Anthropometric and Performance Measures (see note A)
Variable
g171b
u4_l
u6*

Wording of Question/Description
Could you tell me approximately how much you
weigh?
Weight in pounds.
Look at me first. Then choose the foot you will stand
on to keep your balance and very gently raise the
other leg from the floor. Try to keep this position for
10 seconds.
u6_1- Were you able to take this measurement?
u6_p- Which leg did the interviewee stand on?

Scale (if applicable)
(weight in pounds)
(pounds)

261

u6_s- Duration of time in seconds
u6_3- Reason you were unable to take measurement

u7*

Wu6a

Now we will do the final test of this section of the
interview. This test is known as the “stand up and
walk” and consists of your standing up from a chair
without using your arms to support yourself and
walking to the area I point out to you. Now I will show
you how to do it.
u7_1- Were you able to take this measurement?
u7_p- Which leg did the interviewee stand on?
u7_s- Duration of time in seconds
u7_3- Reason you were unable to take measurement
Leg length measure

1-yes
2-no
1-right
2-left
(seconds)
1-I tried but was unable to take
measurement
2-Unable to take measurement
; interviewer did not feel safe
3-Unable to take
measurement; interviewee did
not feel safe
4-Interviewee refused
5-Unable to take measurement
because interviewee is
bedridden or in wheelchair
6-Unable to take measurement
because interviewee uses a
walker, cane, or other such
item
9- Unable to take measurement
for some other reason
1-yes
2-no
1-right
2-left
(seconds)

1-I tried but was unable to take
measurement
2-Unable to take measurement
; interviewer did not feel safe
3-Unable to take
measurement; interviewee did
not feel safe
4-Interviewee refused
5-Unable to take measurement
because interviewee is
bedridden or in wheelchair
6-Unable to take measurement
because interviewee uses a
walker, cane, or other such
item
9- Unable to take measurement
for some other reason

262

1-see instructions for how to
measure leg length
2-measure leg length
Wu6c

Measurement taken

Wu6d

Reason for not performing

Panel N5.3. Self-Reported Health and Vignettes
Variable
WG3a

Wording of Question/Description
In general during the last 30 days, how much energy
(ánimo) would you say you have had?

WG3a1

In general during the last 30 days, how much energy
(energía) would you say you have had?

WG3a2

In general during the last 30 days, how much pain
(dolor) have you felt in your body?

1-yes
2-no
-14-does not apply to the
deceased target
-15-does not apply to the
institutionalized target
1 -decided it was not safe for
the respondent
2-respondent did not feel safe
3-respondent refused
4-other reason (specify)
-15-does not apply to the
institutionalized target
-14 -does not apply to the
deceased target
Scale (if applicable)
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15-does not apply to
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to deceased
target
-5 does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15-does not apply to
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to deceased
target
-5 does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15-does not apply to
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to deceased
263

WG3a3

In general during the last 30 days, how much
discomfort (malestar) have you felt in your body?

WG3b1

In general during the last 30 days, how much trouble
did you have moving from one place to another
(moverse de un lugar a otro)?

WG3b2

In general during the last 30 days, how much trouble
did you have doing vigorous activities such as cutting
the grass or washing windows (realizar actividades
intensas como cortar la grama o lavar las ventanas)?

WG3b3

In general during the last 30 days, how much trouble
did you have concentrating or remembering things
(concentrarse o recordar cosas)?

WG3b4

In general during the last 30 days, how much trouble
did you have learning a new thing (aprender una
nueva tarea)?

target
-5 does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15-does not apply to
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to deceased
target
-5 does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15-does not apply to
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to deceased
target
-5 does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15-does not apply to
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to deceased
target
-5 does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15-does not apply to
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to deceased
target
-5 does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
264

WG3b5

In general during the last 30 days, how much trouble
did you have you felt sad or depressed (sintió triste,
decaido o deprimido)?

WG3b6wg
3c2a

In general during the last 30 days, how much trouble
did you have you felt worried or anxious
(preocupación o ansiedad)?

wg3c2b,
wg3c3a,
wg3c3b

Body aches

wg3d1a,
wg3d2a,
wg3d3a

Encouragement

5-none
-15-does not apply to
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to deceased
target
-5 does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15-does not apply to
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to deceased
target
-5 does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15-does not apply to
institutionalized target
-14-does not apply to deceased
target
-5 does not apply to proxytarget
-15 -Does not apply to the
institutionalized target
-14-Does not apply to the
deceased target
-5-Does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15 -Does not apply to the
institutionalized target
-14-Does not apply to the
deceased target
-5-Does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
265

wg3d1b,
wg3d2b,
wg3d3b

Energy

wg3e1a,
wg3e2a,
wg3e3a

Difficulty concentrating

wg3f1a,
wg3f2a,
wg3f3a

Feel sad or depressed

wg3f1b,
wg3f2b,
wg3f3b

Feel worry or anxiety

Panel N5.4. Functionality (see note A)
Variable
i1

Wording of Question/Description
Have you had difficulty using the telephone due to a
health problem?

-15 -Does not apply to the
institutionalized target
-14-Does not apply to the
deceased target
-5-Does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15 -Does not apply to the
institutionalized target
-14-Does not apply to the
deceased target
-5-Does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15 -Does not apply to the
institutionalized target
-14-Does not apply to the
deceased target
-5-Does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
-15 -Does not apply to the
institutionalized target
-14-Does not apply to the
deceased target
-5-Does not apply to proxytarget
1-very much
2-a lot
3-some
4-a little
5-none
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
266

-2-does not answer
i1a

Who is the person that most helps you?

i1b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

Have you had difficulty getting anywhere you had to
go using transportation due to a health problem?

i2a

Who is the person that most helps you?

i2b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

Have you had difficulty buying food or clothes due to
a health problem?

i3a

Who is the person that most helps you?

i3b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

Have you had difficulty preparing food for yourself
due to a health problem?

i4a

Who is the person that most helps you?

(specify)
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(specify)
-1- does not know
-2 does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(specify)
-1- does not know
-2 does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(specify)
267

i4b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

Have you had difficulty doing household chores due
to a health problem?

i5a

Who is the person that most helps you?

i5b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

Have you had difficulty taking medication due to a
health problem?

i6a

Who is the person that most helps you?

i6b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

Have you had difficulty managing your money on
your own due to a health problem?

Have you had difficulty eating due to a health
problem?

-1- does not know
-2 does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(specify)
-1- does not know
-2 does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(specify)
-1- does not know
-2 does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
268

i9a

Who is person that most helps you?

i9b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

i10

Have you had difficulty getting dressed or undressing
due to a health problem?

i10a

Who is the person that most helps you?

i10b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

i11

Have you had difficulty using the toilet due to a health
problem?

i11a

Who is the person that most helps you?

i11b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

i12

Have you had difficulty walking from one side of your
room to the other due to a health problem?

i12a

Who is the person that most helps you?

-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(specify)
-1- does not know
-2 does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(specify)
-1- does not know
-2 does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(specify)
-1- does not know
-2 does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(specify)
269

i12b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

i13

Have you had difficulty getting up from or lying down
in your bed due to a health problem?

i13a

Who is the person that most helps you?

i13b

How many times in the last month has (NAME)
helped you?

i14

Have you had difficulty taking a bath or showering
due to a health problem?

i17

How would you evaluate your ability to function dayto-day? Would you say that your ability to function
day-to-day is excellent, very good, good, average, or
bad?

Panel N5.5. Chronic Conditions
Variable
g4

Wording of Question/Description
Has a doctor ever told you that you have high blood
pressure, that is, hypertension?

Is your blood pressure generally under control?

Has a doctor every told you that you have diabetes,
that is, high levels of sugar in your blood?

-1- does not know
-2 does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(specify)
-1- does not know
-2 does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
-1- does not know
-2- does not answer
1-yes
2-no
3-cannot do it
4-does not do it/does not apply
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-average
5-bad
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-nogo to g8
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-nogo to g22
-1-does not know
270

g8a_a
g8a_e
g8a_m
g8aedad
g9

How old were you when you were diagnosed with
diabetes for the first time? If the interviewee does not
know the age, ask for the year and calculate the age.
How old were you when you were diagnosed with
diabetes for the first time? If the interviewee does not
know the age, ask for the year and calculate the age.
How old were you when you were diagnosed with
diabetes for the first time? If the interviewee does not
know the age, ask for the year and calculate the age.
How old were you when you were diagnosed with
diabetes for the first time? If the interviewee does not
know the age, ask for the year and calculate the age.
Are you currently taking any oral medication to
control your diabetes?

g10

Do you receive insulin shots to control your diabetes?

g11

In order to control your diabetes, during the last year,
have you lost weight or have you followed a special
diet?

g12

Is your diabetes generally under control?

g13

Do you usually measure your own blood sugar level to
see if it’s high?

g14

How often do you do the blood sugar tests to see if
your blood sugar is high?

g15

During the last year, did you have blood work done to
control your diabetes?

g16

Does taking care of your diabetes (like for example
dieting, taking care of your feet or regulating your
blood sugar level) interfere with your daily activities?

g17

Have you had any circulation problems in your feet,
arms or legs because of your diabetes?

-2-does not answer
(year)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(age)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(month)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(age calculated by CASES)
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-every day of the week
2-2 or 3 times a week
3-once a week
4-2 or 3 times a month
5-once a month or less
6-other
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
271

g18

Have you had any vision problems because of your
diabetes?

g19

In the last year, have you had any problems with
ulcers in your feet?

g20

Has any part of your body been amputated because of
your diabetes?

g21

Have you ever had any renal complications (in your
kidneys) because of your diabetes?

g24

Has a doctor ever told you that you have some other
form of cancer or a malignant tumor, not on your
skin?

g31

Has a doctor every told you that you have a chronic
pulmonary disease like bronchitis, tuberculosis or
emphysema?

g32_e

How old were you when you were diagnosed with that
chronic pulmonary disease? If interviewee does not
know the age, ask for the year and calculate the age.
How old were you when you were diagnosed with that
chronic pulmonary disease? If interviewee does not
know the age, ask for the year and calculate the age.
How old were you when you were diagnosed with that
chronic pulmonary disease? If interviewee does not
know the age, ask for the year and calculate the age.
How old were you when you were diagnosed with that
chronic pulmonary disease? If interviewee does not
know the age, ask for the year and calculate the age.
Have you ever suffered a heart attack?

g32_a
g32_m
g32edad
g35

g36

Has a doctor every told you that you have heart
disease such as angina, coronary disease or congestive
heart disease?

g37edad

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
your heart condition or defect?

g38

Do you take any kind of medication for your heart
condition?

-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-nogo to g35
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(age)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(year)
(month)
(age calculated with month and
year)
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(age)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
272

g39

During the last year, have you seen a doctor for your
heart condition?

g40

Has a doctor ever told you that you have had a brain
hemorrhage?

g49

Has a doctor ever told you that you have arthritis or
rheumatism?

g69

During the last year, have you felt chest pain or
discomfort?

g70

Have you ever felt pressure in your chest?

g71

Do you feel this pain or discomfort in your chest when
you walk quickly or go up inclines?

g72

Do you feel this pain or discomfort in your chest when
you walk at a normal pace and on level ground?

g73

What do you do if you feel that pain or discomfort in
your chest when you’re walking? Do you stop walking,
walk more slowly, or do you continue walking?

g74

What happens if you stop walking? Is the pain or
discomfort alleviated or does it continue?

g75

How long does the pain or discomfort take to go
away? Would you say it takes ten minutes or less or
more than ten minutes?

g76

In the last year, have you gone to see a doctor to get
this pain or discomfort checked?

-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-stops walking or walks more
slowly
2-continues walking
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-the pain or discomfort is
alleviated
2-the pain or discomfort
continues
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-the pain or discomfort is
alleviated
2-the pain or discomfort
continues
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
273

g77_code
(g77)

What did the doctor tell you this pain or discomfort
was?

g107

In Puerto Rico there are many people suffering from
bilarciosis. Have you ever been diagnosed with this
illness?

g109

Is there anyone in your family that suffers from
diabetes? Please include any deceased members of the
family as well.

g110a

I’m going to read you a list of symptoms. I would like
for you to tell me if you’ve experienced any of them in
the last year. Excessive thirst.

(codified variable)
0-doctor said nothing
1-angina
2arthritis/costopondritis/osteoa
rthritis
3-respiratory problems
(asthma/bronchitis/allergy)
4-arrhythmia or tachycardia
5-nerve problems
(tension/stress/depression,
etc.)
6-hernia or esophageal
7-heart problems
8-gastritis or reflux
9-blood pressure
10-problem musculoskeletal
11-stroke
12-diabetes
13-obesity
14-gases
15-age
16-circulatory problems
17-prescribed medicines/lab
studies or test
18-cholesterol/triglycerides
50-other
99-not codeable
-12 not applicable, no spouse
-7 –no spouse interview
-6-doesnot apply to proxyspouse
-5-does not apply to proxytarget
-3-indeterminate-wisconsin
-2-does not answer
-1-does not know
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-one of the parents
2-one of the siblings
3-no one (neither parents nor
siblings)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
274

g110b

I’m going to read you a list of symptoms. I would like
for you to tell me if you’ve experienced any of them in
the last year. Drinking many liquids.

g110c

I’m going to read you a list of symptoms. I would like
for you to tell me if you’ve experienced any of them in
the last year. Always being hungry.

g110d

I’m going to read you a list of symptoms. I would like
for you to tell me if you’ve experienced any of them in
the last year. Losing more than ten pounds without
trying to.
I’m going to read you a list of symptoms. I would like
for you to tell me if you’ve experienced any of them in
the last year. Frequent urination.

g110e

g110f

I’m going to read you a list of symptoms. I would like
for you to tell me if you’ve experienced any of them in
the last year. Blurred vision.

g110g

I’m going to read you a list of symptoms. I would like
for you to tell me if you’ve experienced any of them in
the last year. Easily fatigued.

g110h

I’m going to read you a list of symptoms. I would like
for you to tell me if you’ve experienced any of them in
the last year. Numbness in your hands and legs.

g110i

I’m going to read you a list of symptoms. I would like
for you to tell me if you’ve experienced any of them in
the last year. Frequent urinary, skin or gum
infections.
How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
your heart condition or defect?

g37_e
g37_a

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
your heart condition or defect?

g37_m

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
your heart condition or defect?

Panel N5.6. Adult Mortality
Variable Wording of Question/Description
cause_re NDI recoded cause of death.
code_72
wamor

Whether respondent is alive or not.

wy1_d
wy1_m

Date of death.
Date of death.

1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
1-yes
2-no
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(age)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(year)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
(month)
-1-does not know
-2-does not answer
Scale (if applicable)
For details regarding codes,
please refer to the PREHCO
website: prehco.rcm.upr.edu
1-yes, alive
2-no, not alive
(day)
(month)
-18-does not apply to the
275

regular target
-15-does not apply to the
institutionalized target
-5-does not apply to the proxytarget
wy1_a
Date of death.
(year)
ywy3
Cause of death.
1-heart disease
2-cancer
3-diabetes
4-hypertension
5-pulminary disease
6-stroke
7-other cause
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above. Palloni,
A., & Dávila, A.L. Puerto Rican Elderly: Health Conditions (PREHCO), Wave 2, 2006-2007.
QM-504-002-1-2-Puerto Rico-DISC-2006. Madison, WI: Data and Information Services Center,
University of Wisconsin-Madison [distributor], accessed 2007-07-17.
http://www.disc.wisc.edu/archive/prehco/index_prehco2.html.
Notes:
The data file for Puerto Rico also contains several variables pertaining to the respondents’
occupation as an adult (section n), migration (section o), helping or receiving help (section i);
vignettes collected in second wave of data collection (variables beginning with “w”) and spousal
information (all variables starting with a "y").
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Table N2. There are several variables on migration in Section O of the questionnaire.
Note A, Panel N2.3. There is an SES ladder question in Section E of the 2002 Questionnaire.
These variables were used to compute income: n51a_2, n51a_3, n51b_2, n51b_3, n51c_2,
n51c_3, n51g_2, n51g_3, n51h_2, n51h_3, n51i_2, n51i_3, n51j_2, n51j_3, n51k_2, n51k_3,
n51l_2, and n51l_3.
There are numerous variables available in Section N that provide further detail on the
respondents’ work history and sources of income.
Note A, Panel N4.1. There are several additional questions on smoking in Section G of the 2002
Questionnaire (g163-g166).
Note A, Panel N4.3. There are several additional questions on alcoholism in Section G of the
2002 Questionnaire (g156-g180).
Note A, Table N5. There are additional symptom questions for heart disease starting at question
g78. There are also questions on depression (g148-g153 and g171-g185). There is also a
depression scale calculated by PREHCO (depre_y).

276

Note A, Panel N5.2. There are additional questions regarding whether the respondent receives
help with these tasks and how often they need to receive help. There is a minimental cognition
test in Section B of the 2002 Questionnaire.
There are five versions of vignettes available. Vignette one includes variables WG3c1-WG3d2,
vignette two includes variables WG3c1-WG3d2, vignette three includes variables WG3e1WG3f2, vignette four includes variables WG3g1-WG3f2, and vignette five includes variables
WG3g2-WG3f3.
Note A, Panel N5.4. There are additional variables in Section I of the questionnaire which
provide more detail on the respondents’ functionality, including whether or not the respondent
receives help with their daily tasks.
NOTE B.
Puerto Rico has additional variables on early life conditions such as infant mortality (IMR)
during the 1920s through early 1940s in the county (municipio) where the respondent was born.
It also includes information regarding vignettes.

277

Appendix O: SAGE countries original variables

The tables below describe the original variables from the SAGE countries survey that
were used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are
marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that
are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The
variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of
the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the SAGE countries data
that should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table O1. Respondent
Variable
q0001

Wording of Question/Description
Research centre number.

q0002
q0002a

Household ID.
Is this a (18-49 years) or (50+ years) household?

q0003

Is this a new, second (follow-up from WHS), retest
or proxy interview?

q0007a

Final result code Household Q:

q0101a
q0901

Primary Sampling Unit (PSU)
Was someone else present during the interview?

q0902

What is your evaluation of the accuracy of the
informant’s answers?

q0405

What is [Name]’s relationship to the household
head?

Scale (if applicable)
101-China
106-India
140-Mexico
152-Russian Federation
155-South Africa
241-Ghana
1-18 to 49
2-50+
1-first (new)
2-second (follow-up)
3-retest
4-proxy
5-supervisor proxy
(See Section 0350 [F] for
codes)
1-completed interview
2-partial interview
6-final refusal by household
informant
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-spouse
2-son or daughter
3-son or daughter-in-law
4-grandchild
5-parent
6-parent-in-law
278

q1000b

Contact with:

q1006
q1007

Household ID.
Person (HH member) number from HH roster
(number from column).
post-stratified person weight
Setting (circle one). An urban area that has been
legally proclaimed as being urban. Such areas
include towns, cities and metropolitan areas. All
other areas are not classified as being urban. This
includes commercial farms, small settlements,
rural villages and other areas which are further
away from towns and cities.

pweight
q0104

q0105a
q0105b

First Administrative Level Unit Name
First Administrative Level Unit Code

q0106a
q0106b

Second Administrative Level Unit Name
Second Administrative Level Unit Code

q9001

Was someone else present during the interview?

q9002

Did respondent have a hearing problem?

q9003

Did respondent have a vision problem?

q9004

Did respondent use wheelchair?

7-brother or sister
8-co-wife
9-grandparent
10-other relative
11-not related (friends,
servants, boarders, lodgers,
other)
88-don’t know
98-not applicable
1-individual respondent
2-proxy respondent
3-no one
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(number)
1-urban
2-rural

(code)
99-not applicable if unit is
not in appendix list
(code)
99-not applicable if unit is
not in appendix list
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
279

q9005

Did respondent use cane/crutches/walker?

q9006

Did respondent have difficulties walking?

q9007

Did respondent have paralysis?

q9008

Did respondent cough continually?

q9009

Did respondent have shortness of breath?

q9010

Did respondent have mental problems?

q9011

Did respondent have other health problem?

q9012

Did respondent have amputated limb (arm or
leg)?

q9013

What is your assessment of the respondent’s
cooperation?

q9014

What is your evaluation of the accuracy and
completeness of the respondent’s answers?

1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-NA
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very high
2-high
3-average
4-low
5-very low

Table O2. Demographics

Panel O2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
q1009

Wording of Question/Description
Interviewer: Record sex of the respondent.

Scale (if applicable)
1-male
280

q1010_dd

What day were you born?

q1010_mm

What month were you born?

q1010_yyyy

What year were you born?

q1011

How old are you now? Interviewer: This would be
age at last birthday. If don’t know—probe.

q1012

What is your current marital status?

Panel O2.2. Ethnicity, Race and Language
Variable
q1018
(Ghana)

Wording of Question/Description
What is your background or ethnic group?

q1018
(India)

What is your background or ethnic group?

q1018
(Mexico)

What is your background or ethnic group?

q1018
(South Africa)

What is your background or ethnic group?

q1008

What is your mother tongue? By mother tongue,
we mean the language you learned first, the
language that you can express yourself fully in, or
voluntarily identify with.

2-female
(day)
-8-don’t know
(month)
-8-don’t know
(year)
-8-don’t know
age in years
-8-don’t know
1-never married
2-currently married
3-cohabiting
4-separated/divorced
5-widowed
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
Scale (if applicable)
1-Akan
2-Ewe
3-Ga-Adangbe
4-Gruma
5-Grusi
6-Guan
7-Mande-Busanga
8-Mole-Dagbon
87-Other
88-Don’t know
1-Scheduled tribe
2-Scheduled caste
3-No caste or tribe
7-Other
98-Not applicable
0-None
2-Mixteco
3-Nahuatl
6-Zapoteco
87-Other
88-Don’t know
0-White
1-Non-White
87, other specify
88-don’t know
98-not applicable
1-country-specific 1
2-country-specific 2
3-country-specific 3
4…87-other, specify
88-don’t know

Note: Variable q1018 exists for Russia and China; value labels could not be found.

281

Panel O2.3. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)
Variable
q0506

Wording of Question/Description
What is the main source of drinking water for
members of this household?

Scale (if applicable)
1-piped water into dwelling
2-piped water to yard/plot
3-public tap/standpipe
4-tubewell/borehole
5-protected dug well
6-unprotected dug well
7-protected spring
8-unprotected spring
9-rainwater collection
10-bottle water
11-small scale vendor
12-tanker-truck
13-surface water (river, dam,
lake, pond, stream, canal,
irrigation channels)
87-other, specify
88-don’t know
98-not applicable

q0508

What type of toilet facility do members of your
household usually use? If respondent indicates
“flush” or “pour flush,” probe: Where does it flush
to?

q0510

What type of fuel does your household mainly use
for cooking?

1-flush/pour flush to piped
sewer system
2-flush/pour flush to septic
tank
3-flush/pour flush to pit
latrine
4-flush/pour flush to other
location
5-flush/pour flush to
unknown place/not sure
6-ventilated improved pit
latrine (VIP)
7-pit latrine with slab
8-pit latrine without
slab/open pit
9-composting toilet
10-bucket latrine
11-hanging toilet/hanging
latrine
12-no facilities or bush or
field
87-other, specify
88-don’t know
98-not applicable
1-gas
2-electricity
3-kerosene/paraffin
4-coal/charcoal
5-wood
6-agriculture/crop
282

q0511

In this household, is food cooked on an open fire,
an open or closed stove? Interviewer: indicate
main type.

q0702
(Mexico)

Do you have a security system in your home?

q0702
(Ghana)
q0702
(South Africa)
q0702
(Russia)

How many tables are in the household?

7-animal dung
8-shrubs/grass
87-other, specify
88-don’t know
98-not applicable
1-open fire
2-open stove
3-closed stove
7-other, specify
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
-8-don’t know
-8-don’t know

How many tables are in the household?

-8-don’t know

Do you have a security system in your home?
(alarm, reinforced doors, guards, etc.)

q0702
(China)
q0702
(India)
q0703

How many tables are in your household?

1-yes
2-no
-8-don’t know
-8-don’t know

How many tables are in your household?

-8-don’t know

How many cars are there in your household? If
none, enter “00.”
Does your home have electricity?

(number)
-8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know

q0704
q0705

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a bicycle?

q0706
(South Africa)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a built-in kitchen sink?

q0706
(Ghana)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a clock?

q0706
(Mexico)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a built-in kitchen sink?

q0706
(Russia)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a clock?

q0706
(China)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a microwave?

q0706
(India)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a clock?

283

q0707
(South Africa,
Mexico,
China)
q0707
(Ghana,
Russia, India)
q0708
(Ghana, South
Africa, Mexico,
China)
q0708
(Russia, India)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have hot running water?

1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a bucket?

1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know

q0709

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a dishwasher?

q0710

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a refrigerator?

q0711
(Mexico)

Does your household or anyone in your household
employ someone in house who is not a member of
your family (gardener, cook, cleaner, driver,…)?
Does your household or anyone in your household
have a fixed line telephone?

q0711
(Ghana, South
Africa, Russia,
China, India)
q0712

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a washing machine?
Does your household or anyone in your household
have a cot bed or mattress?

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a mobile/cellular telephone?

q0713
(Mexico)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a bullock cart/animal drawn car or sled?

q0713
(Ghana,
Russia, India)
q0713
(South Africa)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a television?

q0713
(China)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a VCR or DVD player?

q0714

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a computer?

q0715
(South Africa,
Mexico)
q0715
(Ghana,
China, India)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a HiFi or music centre (stereo system)?

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a radio?

1-yes
2-no
8-don't know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
284

q0715
(Russia)

q0716
(Ghana, South
Africa, Mexico,
China)
q0716 (India)
Does your household or anyone in your household
have livestock (cattle only)?
q0717
(Mexico,
Russia, China)
q0717 (Ghana,
South Africa,
India)
q0718 (South
Africa,
Mexico)
q0718 (Ghana)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have internet access in the home?

q0718 (China)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have an air conditioning system in the home?

q0718 (India)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a moped/scooter/motorcycle?

q0719 (Ghana,
Mexico,
Russia)
q0719 (South
Africa, India)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a second home?

q0719 (China)

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a heating system in the home?

q0720

Please tell us if you own any land or jewelry and
other items of value. Land or property?

q0721

Please tell us if you own any land or jewelry and
other items of value. Other valuable items, such as
jewelry, books, art or other valuable items?

q0720a

About how much is this worth in total? Land or
property?

q0721a

About how much is this worth in total? Other
valuable items, such as jewelry, books, art or other

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a sewing machine?
Does your household or anyone in your household
have a motorbike?
Does your household or anyone in your household
have a tractor?

Does your household or anyone in your household
have a bullock cart/animal drawn cart or sled?

1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-dk
9-refused
1-yes
2-no
8-dk
9-refused
(cash equivalent)
-8-don’t know
-9-refused
(cash equivalent)
-8-don’t know
285

q0722

q0724
q0725

q1015

valuable items?
Does your household have a regular source of
income? Interviewer: Regular income over the last
12 months, meaning that the household can
depend on a source to provide an income at
intervals that can be used to base household
budget decisions.
So to verify this information, your approximate
total household income from all sources over the
last 12 months is about how much?
How many people depend on this income?
(Interviewer: This number should include the
respondent—so enter “01” if only the respondent
depends on/is supported by this income.)
Have you ever been to school?

q1016

What is the highest level of education that you
have completed?

q1017

How many years of school, including higher
education have you completed?

Panel O2.4. Family and Household
Variable
q0401

-9-refused
1-yes, regular source
2-yes, regular but seasonal
3-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(income)
-8-don’t know
(number of people)
-8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-less than primary school
2-primary school completed
3-secondary school
completed
4-high school (or equivalent)
completed
5-college/preuniversity/university
completed
6-post graduate degree
completed
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(number of years)
-8-don’t know

Wording of Question/Description
Scale (if applicable)
What is the total number of people who live in this (persons)
household?

Table O3. Early Life Conditions
Panel O3.1. Birthplace
Variable
q1024

Wording of Question/Description
Where did you live for most of your childhood
(age 9 or younger)?

Scale (if applicable)
1-in same
community/locality/neighbo
rhood
2-in another city in this
region
3-in another rural area in
this region
4-in another city outside this
region but in country
286

q1020

Have you always lived in this village/town/city?

q1021

How long have you been living (continuously) in
this area? Interviewer: If less than 1 year, enter
“00.”
Where were you living before?

q1022

q1023

Where have you lived for most of your adult life
(18+ years)?

q0104

Setting (circle one). An urban area that has been
legally proclaimed as being urban. Such areas
include towns, cities and metropolitan areas. All
other areas that are not classified as being urban.
This includes commercial farms, small
settlements, rural villages and other areas which
are further away from towns and cities.
What day were you born?

q1010_dd

5-in another rural area
outside this region but in
country
6-outside the country
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(years)
-8-don’t know
1-in same
community/locality/neighbo
rhood
2-in another city in this
region
3-in another rural area in
this region
4-in another city outside this
region in country
5-in another rural area
outside this region but in
country
6-outside the country
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-in same
community/locality/neighbo
rhood
2-in another city in this
region
3-in another rural area in
this region
4-in another city outside this
region in country
5-in another rural area
outside this region but in
country
6-outside the country
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-urban
2-rural

(day)
287

q1010_mm

What month were you born?

q1010_yyyy

What year were you born?

Panel O3.3. Childhood Nutrition
Variable
q2504

Wording of Question/Description
What is your height in centimeters?

q2505

What is your weight in kilograms?

q2506

Measured height in centimeters.

q2507

Measured weight in kilograms.

q2508

Waist circumference.

q2509

Hip circumference.

Panel O3.4.Childhood SES
Variable
q1025

Wording of Question/Description
Was your mother ever employed?

q1026

Who is/was your mother’s main employer over
her working life?

q1027

What is/was her [your mother’s] main
occupation?

q1028

What is the highest level of education that she
[your mother] completed?

-8-don’t know
(month)
-8-don’t know
(year)
-8-don’t know
Scale (if applicable)
(centimeters)
-8-don’t know
(kilograms)
-8-don’t know
(centimeters)
997-refused
998-not able
(kilograms)
997-refused
998-not able
(centimeters)
997-refused
998-not able
(centimeters)
-8-don’t know
997-refused
998-not able
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
8- DK
1-public sector (government)
2-private sector (for profit or
not for profit)
3-self-employed
4-informal employment
write exactly what the
respondent says-clarify if
you do not understand-write
clearly in capital letters
-8-don’t know
0-no formal education
1-less than primary school
2-primary school completed
3-secondary school
completed
4-high school (or equivalent)
completed
5-college/preuniversity/university
completed
6-post graduate degree
completed
288

q1032

What is the highest level of education that he
[your father] completed?

q1029

Was your father ever employed?

q1030

Who is/was your father’s main employer over his
working life?

q1031

What is/was his [your father’s] main occupation?

8-don’t know
9-not applicable
0-no formal education
1-less than primary school
2-primary school completed
3-secondary school
completed
4-high school (or equivalent)
completed
5-college/preuniversity/university
completed
6-post graduate degree
completed
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-public sector (government)
2-private sector (for profit or
not for profit)
3-self-employed
4-informal employment
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
write exactly what the
respondent says-clarify if
you do not understand-write clearly in capital letters
-8-don’t know

Table O4. Adult Lifestyle

Panel O4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
q3001

Wording of Question/Description
Have you ever smoked tobacco or used smokeless
tobacco?

q3002

Do you currently use (smoke, sniff or chew) any
tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
chewing tobacco or snuff?

q3005

In the past, did you ever smoke tobacco or use
smokeless tobacco daily?

Panel O4.2. Adult Exercise

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes, daily
2-yes, but not daily
3-no, not at all
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
289

Variable
q3016

q3017
q3018
q3019

q3025

q3026
q3027
q3028

Wording of Question/Description
Does your work involve vigorous-intensity activity
that causes large increases in breathing or heart rate,
[like heavy lifting, digging or chopping wood] for at
least 10 minutes continuously?
In a typical week, on how many days do you do
vigorous-intensity activities as part of your work?
How much time do you spend doing vigorousintensity activities at work on a typical day?
Does your work involve moderate-intensity activity
that causes small increases in breathing or heart rate
(such as brisk walking, carrying light loads, cleaning,
cooking, or washing clothes) for at least 10 minutes
continuously?
Do you do any vigorous intensity sports, fitness or
recreational (leisure) activities that cause large
increase in breathing or heart rate [like running or
football], for at least 10 minutes continuously?
In a typical week, on how many days do you do
vigorous intensity sports, fitness or recreational
(leisure) activities?
How much time do you spend doing vigorous
intensity sports, fitness or recreational activities on a
typical day?
Do you do any moderate-intensity sports, fitness or
recreational (leisure) activities that causes a small
increase in breathing or heart rate [such as brisk
walking, cycling or swimming] for at least 10
minutes at a time? (Insert examples and use
showcard.)

Panel O4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption (see note A)
Variable
q3007

Wording of Question/Description
Have you ever consumed a drink that contains
alcohol (such as beer, wine, spirits, etc.)?

q3008

Have you consumed alcohol in the last 30 days?

q3010

In the last 12 months, how frequently [on how many
days] on average have you had at least one alcoholic
drink?

q3011

In the last 12 months, on the days you drank
alcoholic beverages, how many drinks did you have

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(days)
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(hours and minutes)
-8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
-8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no, never
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
0-no days
1-less than once a month
2-one to three days per
month
3-one to four days per week
4-five or more days per week
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(drinks)
-8-don’t know
290

on average?

Panel O4.4. Adult Diet
Variable
q3012
q3013

q3014

q3015

Wording of Question/Description
How many servings of fruit (e.g. banana, mango,
apple, orange, papaya, tangerine, grapefruit, peach,
pear (country-specific)) do you eat on a typical day?
How many servings of vegetables (e.g. tomato,
cauliflower, potato, cucumber, peas, corn lettuce,
squash, bean (country-specific)) do you eat on a
typical day?
In the last 12 months, how often did you ever eat less
than you felt you should because there wasn’t
enough food?

In the last 12 months, were you ever hungry, but
didn’t eat because you couldn’t afford enough food?

Panel O4.5. Health Care Utilization (see note A)
Variable
q2020
q5001a

Wording of Question/Description
When was the last time you had your eyes examined
by a medical professional? (Interviewer: Enter years
ago. Enter “00” if less than 1 year.)
If ‘don’t know,’ was it more than 3 years ago?

q5001mm When was the last time that you needed health care?

q5001yy

When was the last time that you needed health care?

q5002

The last time you needed health care, did you get
health care?

q50016a

Which reason best describes why you were last
hospitalized?

Scale (if applicable)
(servings)
-8-don’t know
(servings)
-8-don’t know
1-every month
2-almost every month
3-some months, but not every
month
4-only in 1 or 2 months
5-never
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-every month
2-almost every month
3-some months, but not every
month
4-only in 1 or 2 months
5-never
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
Scale (if applicable)
(years ago)
-8-don’t know
98-never
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(years ago, months ago)
88-DK
98-never
-8-don’t know
(years ago, months ago)
88-DK
98-never
-8-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-Communicable
2-Maternal
3-Nutrition
4-Acute condition
291

q5026

Over the last 12 months, did you receive any health
care NOT including an overnight stay in hospital or
long-term care facility?

q5027

In total, how many times did you receive health care
or consultation in the last 12 months?

q5028

What was the last (most recent) health care facility
you visited in the last 12 months?

q5029

Which was the last (most recent) health care provider
you visited? Interviewer: After q5029 substitute the
type of health care provider selected by the patient
when you see [health care provider] in parentheses.

5-Injury
6-Surgery
7-Sleep problems
8-Occupation
9-Pain in joints
10-Diabetes
11-Problems with heart
12-Problems with mouth
13-Problems with breathing
14-High BP
15-Stroke
16-Generalized pain
17-Depression or anxiety
18-Cancer
87-Other
88-Don’t know
98-Not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(times)
-8-don’t know
-9-not applicable
1-private doctor’s office
2-private clinic or health
care facility
3-private hospital
4-public clinic or health care
facility
5-public hospital
6-charity or church run
clinic
7-charity or church run
hospital
8-home visit
87-other, specify
88-don’t know
98-not applicable
1-medical doctor (including
surgeon, gynecologist,
psychiatrist,
ophthalmologist)
2-nurse/midwife
3-dentist
4-physiotherapist or
chiropractor
5-traditional medicine
practitioner (use local name)
6-pharmacist, druggist
7-home health care worker
292

q5039

For your last visit to a health care provider, how
would you rate the following: the amount of time you
waited before being attended to?

q5040

For your last visit to a health care provider, how
would you rate the following: your experience of
being treated respectfully?

q5041

For your last visit to a health care provider, how
would you rate the following: how clearly health care
providers explained things to you?

q5042

For your last visit to a health care provider, how
would you rate the following: your experience of
being involved in making decisions for your
treatment?

q5043

For your last visit to a health care provider, how
would you rate the following: the way the health
services ensured that you could talk privately to
providers?

q5044

For your last visit to a health care provider, how
would you rate the following: the ease with which you
could see a health care provider you were happy with?

q5045

For your last visit to a health care provider, how
would you rate the following: the cleanliness in the
health facility?

q5053

In general, how satisfied are you with how the health

8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very satisfied
293

care services are run in your country [in your area] –
are you very satisfied, satisfied, neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied, fairly dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied?

q5054

How would you rate the way health care in your
country involves you in deciding what services it
provides and where it provides them?

q8002

Over the last 12 months, have any members of your
household, adults or children, needed care or support
for any reason? This could include financial, physical,
emotional, health or personal care or support.
In total, how many adult household (HH) members
have needed care or support in the last 12 months?

q8003

2-satisfied
3-neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied
4-fairly dissatisfied
5-very dissatisfied
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(number)
-8-don’t know

Table O5. Adult Health Outcomes (see note A)
Panel O5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
q2000

Wording of Question/Description
In general, how would you rate your health today?

q7001

Do you have enough energy for everyday life?

q7002

Do you have enough money to meet your needs?

q7003

How satisfied are you with your health?

Scale (if applicable)
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-completely
2-mostly
3-moderately
4-a little
5-none at all
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-completely
2-mostly
3-moderately
4-a little
5-none at all
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very satisfied
2-satisfied
3-neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied
4-dissatisfied
294

q7004

How satisfied are you with yourself?

q7005

How satisfied are you with your ability to perform
your daily living activities?

q7006

How satisfied are you with your personal
relationships?

q7007

How satisfied are you with the conditions of your
living place?

q7008

Taking all things together, how satisfied are you with
your life as a whole these days?

q7008a

How often have you felt that you were unable to
control the important things if your life? (Read
responses).

q7008b

How often have you found that you could not cope

5-very dissatisfied
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very satisfied
2-satisfied
3-neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied
4-dissatisfied
5-very dissatisfied
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very satisfied
2-satisfied
3-neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied
4-dissatisfied
5-very dissatisfied
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very satisfied
2-satisfied
3-neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied
4-dissatisfied
5-very dissatisfied
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very satisfied
2-satisfied
3-neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied
4-dissatisfied
5-very dissatisfied
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very satisfied
2-satisfied
3-neither satisfied nor
dissatisfied
4-dissatisfied
5-very dissatisfied
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-never
2-almost never
3-sometimes
4-fairly often
5-very often
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-never
295

with all the things that you had to do? (Read
responses).

q7009

How would you rate your overall quality of life?

q7010

Taking all things together, how would you say you
are these days? Are you…?

2-almost never
3-sometimes
4-fairly often
5-very often
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very good
2-good
3-moderate
4-bad
5-very bad
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-very happy
2-happy
3-neither happy nor
unhappy
4-unhappy
5-very unhappy
8-don’t know
9-not applicable

Panel O5.2. Anthropometric and Performance Measures (see note A)
Variable
q2501

Wording of Question/Description
Blood pressure.

q2501a_p

Pulse rate.

q2502

Blood pressure.

q2502a_p

Pulse rate.

q2503

Blood pressure.

q2503a_p

Pulse rate.

q2510

Timed walk. Did respondent complete the walk at

Scale (if applicable)
(systolic)
-8-don’t know
-9-refused
(diastolic)
-8-don’t know
-9-refused
(beats per minute)
-8-don’t know
-9-refused
(systolic)
-8-don’t know
-9-refused
(diastolic)
-8-don’t know
-9-refused
(beats per minute)
-8-don’t know
-9-refused
(systolic)
-8-don’t know
-9-refused
(diastolic)
-8-don’t know
-9-refused
(beats per minute)
-8-don’t know
-9-refused
1-yes
296

usual pace?

q2511

Time at 4 meters.

q2512

Rapid walk. Did respondent complete the walk at
rapid pace?

q2513

Time at 4 meters.

q2521

Grip strength. First test left hand.

q2522

Grip strength. Second test left hand.

q2523

Grip strength. First test right hand.

q2524

Grip strength. Second test right hand.

q2538

Lung function. FVC.

q2539

Lung function. FEV1.

q2540

Lung function. FEV1%.

q2541

Lung function. PEF.

q2542

Lung function. FEF25-75.

q2543

Lung function. FET.

2-no, refused
3-no, cannot walk, even
with support
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(seconds)
-8-don’t know
-9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no, refused
3-no, cannot walk, even
with support
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
(seconds)
-8-don’t know
-9-not applicable
(kilograms)
-9-refused
(kilograms)
-9-refused
(kilograms)
-9-refused
(kilograms)
-9-refused
-8-don’t know
-9/999/9999-missing
-8-don’t know
-9/999/9999-missing
-8-don’t know
-9/999/9999-missing
-8-don’t know
-9/999/9999-missing
-8-don’t know
-9/999/9999-missing
-8-don’t know
-9/999/9999-missing

Panel O5.3. Self-Reported Health and Vignettes (see note A)
Variable
q1001

Wording of Question/Description
Does the respondent have obvious cognitive
limitations that prevent him/her from being
interviewed/

q2001

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have with work or household activities?

q2002

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no limitations
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
297

you have with moving around?

q2003

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have in vigorous activities (‘vigorous activities’
require hard physical effort and cause large increases
in breathing or heart rate)?

q2004

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have with self-care, such as bathing/washing or
dressing yourself?

q2005

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have in taking care of and maintaining your
general appearance (for example, grooming, looking
neat and tidy)?

q2006

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have in staying by yourself for a few days (3 to 7
days)?

q2007

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of bodily aches
or pains did you have?

q2008

Overall in the last 30 days, how much bodily
discomfort did you have?

q2009

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have in your daily life because of your pain?

2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
298

q2010

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have with concentrating or remembering things?

q2011

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have in learning a new task (for example,
learning how to get to a new place, learning a new
game, learning a new recipe)?

q2012

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have with personal relationships or participation
in the community?

q2013

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have in dealing with conflicts and tensions with
others?

q2014

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have with making new friendships or
maintaining current friendships?

q2015

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did
you have with dealing with strangers?

q2016

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem
did you have with sleeping, such as falling asleep,
waking up frequently during the night or waking up
too early in the morning?

4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
299

q2017

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem
did you have due to not feeling rested and refreshed
during the day (for example, feeling tired, not having
energy)?

q2018

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem
did you have with feeling sad, low or depressed?

q2019

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem
did you have with worry or anxiety?

q2023

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you have
in seeing and recognizing an object or a person you
know across the road (from a distance of about 20
meters)?

q2024

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you have
in seeing and recognizing an object at arm’s length
(for example, reading)?

q2039

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you have
in your day to day work?

q2101a_m,

Mobility vignettes.

8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme/cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
300

q2105a_m,

q2109a_m,

q2113a_m,

q2115a_m

q2102a_v,

q2106a_v,

q2110a_v,

q2114a_v,

Vigorous activities vignettes.

1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
301

q2116a_v

q2103a_d,

Depression vignettes.

q2107a_d,

q2111a_d,

q2117a_d,

q2119a_d

q2104a_a,

Anxiety vignettes.

2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
302

q2108a_a,

q2112a_a,

q2118a_a,

q2120a_a

q2101b_r,

q2105b_r,

q2111b_r,

Personal relationships vignettes.

4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
303

q2113b_r,

q2117b_r

q2102b_c,

q2106b_c,

q2112b_c,

q2114b_c,

q2118b_c

Conflict vignettes.

8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
304

q2103b_p,

Pain vignettes.

q2107b_p,

q2109b_p,

q2115b_p,

q2119b_p

q2104b_d,

q2108b_d,

q2110b_d,

Discomfort vignettes.

q2116b_d,

q2120b_d

q2101c_s,

q2105c_s,

q2111c_s,

q2115c_s,

q2119c_s

Sleeping vignettes.

3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
306

q2102c_e,

Energy vignettes.

q2106c_e,

q2112c_e,

q2116c_e,

q2120c_e

q2103c_p,

q2107c_p,

Long distance visibility vignettes.

5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
307

q2109c_p,

q2113c_p,

q2117c_p

q2104c_o,

q2108c_o,

q2110c_o,

q2114c_o,

q2118c_o

Short distance visibility vignettes.

9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
308

q2101d_c,

Self-care vignettes.

q2107d_c,

q2111d_c,

q2113d_c,

q2115d_c

q2102d_a,

q2108d_a,

General appearance vignettes.

q2112d_a,

q2114d_a,

q2116d_a

q2103d_m, Memory vignettes.

q2105d_m,

q2109d_m,

q2117d_m,

q2119d_m

q2104d_l,

Learning vignettes.

q2106d_l,

q2110d_l,

q2118d_l,

q2120d_l

Panel O5.4. Functionality
Variable
q2025

Wording of Question/Description
In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…in sitting for long periods?

8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
Scale (if applicable)
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
311

q2026

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…in walking 100 meters?

q2027

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…in standing up from sitting down?

q2028

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…in standing for long periods?

q2029

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…with climbing one flight of stairs without
resting?

q2030

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…with stooping, kneeling, or crouching?

q2031

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…picking up things with your fingers?

q2032

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…in taking care of your household
responsibilities?

8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
312

q2033

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…in joining community activities (for ex.,
festivities, religious or other activities) in the same
way as anyone else can?

q2034

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…in extending your arms above shoulder level?

q2035

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…concentrating on doing something for 10
minutes?

q2036

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…in walking a long distance such as a kilometer?

q2037

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…in bathing/washing your whole body?

q2038

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…in getting dressed?

q2040

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…with carrying things?

q2041

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…with moving around inside your home (such as

1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
313

walking across a room)?

q2042

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…with eating (including cutting up your food)?

q2043

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…with getting up from lying down?

q2044

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…with getting to and using the toilet?

q2045

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…with getting where you want to go, using
private or public transport if needed?

q2046

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have…getting out of your home?

Panel O5.5. Chronic Conditions
Variable
q2021

Wording of Question/Description
Do you use eyeglasses or contact lenses to see far
away (for example, across the street)?

q2022

Do you use eyeglasses or contact lenses to see up
close (for example at arm’s length, like when you are
reading?)

q4001

Have you ever been diagnosed with/told you have

3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme, cannot do
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
314

arthritis (a disease of the joints, or by other names
rheumatism or osteoarthritis)?
q4010

Have you ever been told by a health professional that
you have had a stroke?

q4014

Have you ever been diagnosed with angina or angina
pectoris (a heart disease)?

q4015a

Have you been taking medications or other treatment
for it during the last 2 weeks?

q4015b

Have you been taking medications or other treatment
for it during the last 12 months?

q4016

During the last 12 months, have you experienced any
pain or discomfort in your chest when you walk
uphill or hurry?

q4017

During the last 12 months, have you experienced any
pain or discomfort in your chest when you walk at an
ordinary pace on level ground?
What do you do if you get the pain or discomfort
when you are walking? (Read choices).

q4018

q4019
q4020

q4021

If you stand still, what happens to the pain or
discomfort? (Read choices).
Will you show me where you usually experience the
pain or discomfort? (Circle number in each of the
boxes in the areas of body mentioned or shown by
the respondent).
These symptoms that you have said you experienced
in the last 12 months, have you experienced them in
the last 2 weeks?

q4022

Have you ever been diagnosed with diabetes (high
blood sugar)? (not including diabetes associated with
pregnancy)

q4023a

Have you been taking insulin or other blood sugar
lowering medications in the last 2 weeks?

q4023b

Have you been taking insulin or other blood sugar

2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
3-never walks uphill or
hurries
1-yes
2-no
1-stop or slow down
2-carry on after taking a
pain relieving medicine
that dissolves in your
mouth
3-carry on walking
1-relieved
2-not relieved
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
1-yes
315

lowering medications in the last 12 months?

2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
q4024
Have you been following a special diet, exercise
1-yes
regime or weight control program for diabetes during 2-no
the last 2 weeks? (As recommended by health
8-don’t know
professional).
9-not applicable
q4025
Have you ever been diagnosed with chronic lung
1-yes
disease (emphysema, bronchitis, COPD)?
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
q4033
Have you ever been diagnosed with asthma (an
1-yes
allergic respiratory disease)?
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
q4040
Have you ever been diagnosed with depression?
1-yes
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
q4060
Have you ever been diagnosed with high blood
1-yes
pressure (hypertension)?
2-no
8-don’t know
9-not applicable
q4061a
Have you been taking medications or other treatment 1-yes
for it during the last 2 weeks? (Other treatment
2-no
might include weight loss program or change in
8-don’t know
eating habits).
9-not applicable
q4061b
Have you been taking medications or other treatment 1-yes
for it during the last 12 months? (Other treatment
2-no
might include weight loss program or change in
8-don’t know
eating habits).
9-not applicable
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above. World
Health Organization (WHO). SAGE: WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE).
World Health Organization [distributor], accessed 2011.
http://www.who.int/healthinfo/systems/sage/en/index1.html,
http://www.who.int/healthinfo/systems/sage/en/.
Notes:
In some cases, there were slight differences in the way variables were named across SAGE
countries.
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Panel O2.3. SAGE has extensive questions on household expenditures in the Household
Questionnaire. There are other questions regarding the house including type of floors and walls
(questions q0504 and q0505).
Note A, Panel O4.1. There are other questions related to duration, number of products smoked,
and how old the respondent was when they quit in Section 3000 of the Individual Questionnaire
(q3003, q3004, and q3006).
316

Note A, Panel O4.3. There is another question on the frequency (q3009) of drinking in Section
3000 of the Individual Questionnaire.
Note A, Panel O4.5. There are several questions about hospital stays and inpatient care in
Section 5000 of the Individual Questionnaire.
Note A, Table O5. There is also a section with many questions on social cohesion and
involvement in the community in Section 6000 of the Individual Questionnaire. There is an
analysis of daily activities in Section 7000 of the Individual Questionnaire.
Note A, Panel O5.2. Self-reports for the respondent’s health can be found in the adult health
outcomes file.
Some of the performance measures (for example, lung function variables q2538-q2543) were
performed numerous times. To indicate this, the variable name includes an _1, _2, and _3 (i.e.
q2538_1, q2538_2, and q2538_3).
Note A, Panel O5.3. SAGE has several questions on cognitive ability in Section Q1000 of the
Individual Questionnaire and memory and verbal fluency in Section 2500 of the Individual
Questionnaire.
NOTE B.
In some instances variables across SAGE countries are slightly different. For example, the
variables for health care utilization are different for Ghana.

317

Appendix P: Taiwan-SEBAS original variables

The tables below describe the original variables from the Taiwan-SEBAS survey that
were used to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are
marked in bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that
are included in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The
variables are grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of
the technical report. After the tables there are notes specific to the Taiwan data that
should be taken into account when examining the data.

Table P1. Respondent
Variable
resp_id
wgt_exam
rural

Wording of Question/Description
Unique respondent ID.
Weight variable, adjusts for over-sampling and for the
differential participation in the health examination by
age group.
2000 Residence: Urban or Rural township.

urban

2000 Residence: Large city or small town.

lcity

2000 Residence: Large city.

scity

2000 Residence: Small town.

utown

2000 Residence: Urban township.

rtown

2000 Residence: Rural township.

The interviewee for this questionnaire was:

What is the relationship of the person who helps the
respondent to provide answers?

qtype

Distinguishes between respondents drawn from the

Scale (if applicable)
(number, range 1-1023)

0-urban
1-rural
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
1-respondent only
2-proxy report
3-respondent and proxy
report
2-spouse
31-eldest son
32-second son
33-third son
34-fourth son
41-first daughter
42-second daughter
43-third daughter
45-fifth+ daughter
52-son's daughter
54-grandchild
88-Not applicable
91-first daughter-in-law
92-second daughter-in-law
93-third daughter-in-law
94-fourth daughter-in-law
95-fifth daughter-in-law
1-near elderly
318

1989 sample of elderly and those drawn from the 1996
extension sample of near elderly.

2-elderly

Table P2. Demographics (see note A)
Panel P2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
sex

Wording of Question/Description
Respondent’s sex.

age2000

Respondent’s age at 2000 interview (based on
birthday).
Month of birthdate.

bir_m
a1

What is your current marital status? Are you nevermarried, married, (formally) separated, widowed, or
divorced?

Panel P2.2. Ethnicity, Race and Language
Variable
ethnicity

Wording of Question/Description
Respondent’s ethnicity.

Panel P2.3. Education, Income and Wealth
Variable
educ00

Wording of Question/Description
Respondent’s education.

Compared to others in Taiwan, respondent’s rank on
SES ladder.

Scale (if applicable)
1-male
2-female
(age)
(month)
99-missing
1-never married
2-married, husband/wife
alive
3-(formally) separated
4-divorced
5-widowed
Scale (if applicable)
1-Fukienes
2-Hakka
3-Mainland
4-Aborigin
Scale (if applicable)
0-illiterate (no educ)
1-1st yr primary
2-2nd yr primary
3-3rd yr primary
4-4th yr primary
5-5th yr primary
6-6th yr primary
7-7th yr junior high
8-8th yr junior high
9-9th yr junior high
10-10th yr senior high
11-11th yr senior high
12-12th yr senior high
13-1 yr college
14-2 yrs college
15-3 yrs college
16-4 yrs college
17-17+ yrs (Grad school)
90-literate (no educ)
1-worst-off
2
3
4
5
319

Compared to others in community, respondent’s rank
on SES ladder.

majocc_r

Respondent’s major lifetime occupation.

Panel P2.4. Family and Household
Variable
Wording of Question/Description
a3a
How many people, in total, usually live in this house
with you?

6
7
8
9
10-best-off
66-other response
88-not applicable
95-no opinion
96-not sure
97-don’t know/don’t
understand
98-refuse to answer
99-unknown
1-worst-off
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10-best-off
88-not applicable
95-no opinion
96-not sure
97-don’t know/don’t
understand
98-refuse to answer
99-unknown
(see SEBAS codebook for
definitions of occupations,
coded 1-99)
Scale (if applicable)
(number of people
including respondent)
99-missing

Table P3. Early Life Conditions
Panel P3.1. Birthplace
Variable
ethnicty

Wording of Question/Description
Respondent’s ethnicity.

bir_m

Month of birthdate.

yrbirth

Respondent’s year of birth.

Panel P3.2. Childhood Nutrition

Scale (if applicable)
1-Fukienes
2-Hakka
3-Mainland
4-Aborigin
(month)
99-missing
(year)
9999-missing
320

Variable
height
waist
hip
waisthip

Wording of Question/Description
Respondent’s height measurement.
Respondent’s waist measurement.
Respondent’s hip measurement.
Respondent’s waist to hip ratio.

Panel P3.3. Childhood SES
Variable
fdm

Wording of Question/Description
Family history of diabetes?

fchd

Family history of heart disease?

Scale (if applicable)
(cm)
(cm)
(cm)
(ratio)
99999-missing
Scale (if applicable)
0-no
1-yes
0-no
1-yes

Table P4. Adult Lifestyle

Panel P4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
smk

Wording of Question/Description
Past 6 months, did you smoke?

betel

Past 6 months, did you chew betel nut?

Panel P4.2. Adult Exercise (see note A)
Variable
b8

Wording of Question/Description
Do you usually exercise? [If yes, continue.] On average,
how many times do you exercise each week?

Panel P4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption
Variable
alc

Wording of Question/Description
Past 6 months, did you drink alcohol?

alc_b1

Past 6 months, consumed wine/beer daily?

Panel P3.4. Adult Diet
Variable
milk

Wording of Question/Description
Do you drink milk every day?

Scale (if applicable)
0-no
1-when friends give me
cigs/socially
2-only after meals
3-everyday
9-missing
0-no
1-sometimes
2-frequently
3-everyday
9-missing
Scale (if applicable)
0-no
1-less than once a week
2-once to twice a week
3-three to five times a
week
4-six or more times a week
9-missing
Scale (if applicable)
0-no
1-sometimes
2-frequently
3-everyday
9-missing
0-no
1-yes
8-not applicable
9-missing
Scale (if applicable)
0-no
321

diet

Eat 3 veggies and 2 fruits every day?

Panel P4.4. Health Care Utilization
Variable
b12
b13
b13b_a

b13b_b

Wording of Question/Description
In the past year, have you gone to the hospital for an
emergency?
In the past year, have you had a health examination or
physical examination?
Did you have the last health examination to simply
learn your state of health? Or did you have the physical
on your own initiative because you had discomfort, or
did you have discomfort and the physician ordered it?
Can choose more than one.
Did you have the last health examination to simply
learn your state of health? Or did you have the physical
on your own initiative because you had discomfort, or
did you have discomfort and the physician ordered it?
Can choose more than one.

b13b_c

Did you have the last health examination to simply
learn your state of health? Or did you have the physical
on your own initiative because you had discomfort, or
did you have discomfort and the physician ordered it?
Can choose more than one.

b13b_d

1-yes
9-missing
0-no
1-yes
9-missing
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
0-no
1-yes
0-no
just to learn state of health
(preventive)
0-no
1-yes
8-not applicable
had discomfort so went to
have physical on his/her
own initiative
0-no
1-yes
8-not applicable
had discomfort, so
physician ordered the
physical
0-no
1-yes
8-not applicable
other (please explain)
0-no other reasons
1-was informed to take
free health exam
2- company requirement
7-other reasons
8-not applicable

Table P5. Adult Health Outcomes (see note A)
Panel P5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
b1

Wording of Question/Description
Regarding your current state of health, do you feel it is
excellent, good, average, not so good, or poor?

Compared to this time last year, is your health better,
about the same, or worse?

Compared to most people your age, do you feel your
health is better, about the same, or worse?

Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
2-good
3-average
4-not so good
5-poor
8-not applicable
1-better
2-about the same
3-worse
8-not applicable
1-better
2-about the same
322

3-worse
8-not applicable

Panel P5.2. Anthropometric Measures\Biomarkers (see note A)
Variable
weight
bp_s1
bp_d1
bp_s2
bp_d2
bp_s
bp_d
bp_s3

Wording of Question/Description
Respondent’s weight measurement.
Systolic blood pressure, 1st reading by nurse.
Diastolic blood pressure, 1st reading by nurse.
Systolic blood pressure, 2nd reading by nurse.
Diastolic blood pressure, 2nd reading by nurse.
Systolic blood pressure average of first two readings.
Diastolic blood pressure average of first two readings.
Systolic blood pressure, 3rd reading by doctor.

bp_d3

Diastolic blood pressure, 3rd reading by doctor.

pulse
glucose

Pulse.
Glucose, AC. AC is an average measurement of blood
glucose over an extended period of time.
Glycosylated hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin.

hb_alc
hemoglo

Panel P5.3. Functionality
Variable
b5_1

Wording of Question/Description
If no one helps you and you have no aids to help you,
would you have trouble doing the following activities
by yourself? Stand continuously for 15 minutes.

b5_2

If no one helps you and you have no aids to help you,
would you have trouble doing the following activities
by yourself? Stand continuously for 2 hours.

b5_3

If no one helps you and you have no aids to help you,
would you have trouble doing the following activities
by yourself? Squat.

b5_4

If no one helps you and you have no aids to help you,
would you have trouble doing the following activities
by yourself? Raise both hands over your head.

b5_5

If no one helps you and you have no aids to help you,
would you have trouble doing the following activities
by yourself? Grasp or turn objects with your fingers.

b5_6

If no one helps you and you have no aids to help you,
would you have trouble doing the following activities
by yourself? Lift or carry something weighing 11-21 kgs
(like 2 bags of rice).

b5_7

If no one helps you and you have no aids to help you,

Scale (if applicable)
(kg)
(reading in mmHg)
(reading in mmHg)
(reading in mmHg)
(reading in mmHg)
(average)
(average)
(reading in mmHg)
999-missing
(reading)
999-missing
(beats per minute)
(mg/dL)
(% of Hb)
(g/dL)
Scale (if applicable)
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
4-don’t know
9-missing
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
9-missing
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
4-don’t know
0-no difficulty
323

would you have trouble doing the following activities
by yourself? Run a short distance (20-30 meters).

b5_8

If no one helps you and you have no aids to help you,
would you have trouble doing the following activities
by yourself? Walk from 200-300 meters.

b5_9

If no one helps you and you have no aids to help you,
would you have trouble doing the following activities
by yourself? Walk up 2 or 3 flights of stairs.

b6_1

Based on your health and physical condition, do you
have difficulty doing the following activities by
yourself? Buy personal items (like soap, toothpaste,
medicine, etc).
Based on your health and physical condition, do you
have difficulty doing the following activities by
yourself? Manage money, pay bills, etc.

b6_2

b6_3

Based on your health and physical condition, do you
have difficulty doing the following activities by
yourself? Ride the bus or train by yourself.

b6_4

Based on your health and physical condition, do you
have difficulty doing the following activities by
yourself? Do physical work around home and
surroundings (like cleaning gutters or washing
windows).
Based on your health and physical condition, do you
have difficulty doing the following activities by
yourself? Sweeping, washing dishes, taking out
garbage, other light tasks.
Based on your health and physical condition, do you
have difficulty doing the following activities by
yourself? Make a telephone call.

b6_5

b6_6

b7_1

Please tell me if you have any difficulty doing these
activities by yourself? Bathing.

b7_2

Please tell me if you have any difficulty doing these
activities by yourself? Dressing and undressing.

b7_3

Please tell me if you have any difficulty doing these

1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
4-don’t know
9-missing
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
9-missing
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
4-don’t know
9-missing
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
9-missing
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
4-don’t know
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
324

activities by yourself? Eating.
b7_4

Please tell me if you have any difficulty doing these
activities by yourself? Getting out of bed, standing up,
sitting in a chair.

b7_5

Please tell me if you have any difficulty doing the
following activities by yourself? Moving about the
house.

b7_6

Please tell me if you have any difficulty doing these
activities by yourself? Going to the toilet.

b7d

Any difficulty with 6 ADL in B7?

Panel P5.4. Chronic Conditions
Variable
b4a_1

b4a_2
b4d_2

dm
b4a_3

chd
b4a_4
b4a_5

b4a_6

1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
9-missing
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty
1-some difficulty
2-great difficulty
3-unable to do it
0-no difficulty in any of
the 6 activities in b7
1-at least 1 difficulty

Wording of Question/Description
Scale (if applicable)
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness? High 1-yes
blood pressure.
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
9-missing
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Diabetes.
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
Are you currently taking medication or getting
0-no
treatment for this illness?
1-occasionally or when
needed
2-often or regularly
8-not applicable
History of diabetes.
0-no
1-yes
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Heart disease (does not include palpitations).
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
9-missing
History of heart disease.
0-no
1-yes
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Stroke (cerebral hemorrhage).
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Cancer or malignant tumor.
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
9-missing
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia, lung disease,
0-no or not sure
asthma, other lower respiratory tract diseases.
8-not applicable
325

b4a_7

Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
Arthritis/rheumatism.

1-yes
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
9-missing
b4a_8
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Gastric ulcer/stomach ailment.
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
b4a_9
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Liver or gall bladder disease.
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
b4a_10
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness? Hip
1-yes
fracture.
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
9-missing
b4a_11
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Cataract.
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
9-missing
b4a_12
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Kidney disease (including stones).
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
9-missing
b4a_13
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Gout.
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
b4a_14
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Spinal/vertebrae spur.
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
9-missing
b4a_15
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Other current disease (specify).
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
9-missing
b4a_16
Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with this illness?
1-yes
Other current disease (specify).
0-no or not sure
8-not applicable
9-missing
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above.
Goldman, N., Weinstein, M., Chang, M-C., Lin, H-S., Chang, Y-L., Lin, S-J., & Wu, S-I. Social
Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study (SEBAS) in Taiwan, 2000 and 2006.
ICPSR03792-v5. Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research
[distributor], accessed 2003, accessed 2007-01-12.
http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/NACDA/studies/03792/version/5.
Notes:
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Table P2. There are a few other variables that describe the size of the current residence.
There are quite a few questions about living conditions in terms of living with other people.
Note A, Panel P4.1. There are additional questions about smoking in the questionnaire.
Note A, Panel P4.2. There are several questions about involvement in community activities in
Section B of the questionnaire.
326

Note A, Table P5. There are questions regarding stress and life satisfaction in Section C of the
questionnaire. There are additional questions regarding the history of illnesses and family
history of illnesses including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lung disease, stroke, cancer,
etc. There are additional depression and mood questions in Section B of the questionnaire.
Note A, Panel P5.2. There are cognitive questions in Section B of the questionnaire.
NOTE B. Many of the desired variables regarding early life conditions were asked in surveys
prior to the SEBAS survey and are not yet available. Mortality data are also not yet available.

327

Appendix Q: US-HRS original variables

The tables below describe the original variables from the US-HRS survey that were used
to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are marked in
bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that are included
in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The variables are
grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of the technical
report. After the tables there are notes specific to the US data that should be taken into
account when examining the data.

Table Q1. Respondent
Variable
HHID

Wording of Question/Description
Household identification number.

Scale (if applicable)
000002-213479-household
identifier range
PN
Personal identification number. User note:
010
Respondent person numbers ending in 0 are
011
generally from the original sample; respondent
012
person numbers ending in 1 or 2 are generally new 020
spouses or partners added since the original
021
sample.
022
030
031
032
040
041
GWGTHH
2000 Sample Weight; Household-Level.
GWGTR
2000 Sample Weight; Respondent-Level.
missing 998 dk/NA
missing 999 rf
GWHY0WGT 2000 Why Zero Weight.
1-not cohort eligible this
wave
3-nursing home resident
5-birth cohort not observed
7-inap. xWGTR greater
than zero or xIWTYPE
greater than one
G514
Proxy or self-interview?
1-self-interview
2-proxy
3-proxy
G767
Interview date in 2000.
(day)
1-Sunday
2-Monday
3-Tuesday
4-Wednesday5-Thursday
6-Friday
7-Saturday
G768
Interview date in 2000.
(month)
G770
Interview date in 2000.
(year)
GIWTYPE
2000 Interview Type.
1-core interview obtained
5-core interview not
obtained
328

GPROXY

2000 Proxy Type Status.

WTCOHORT

Birth Cohort Used for Creating Weights.

KA500
KA501

Month of 2006 interview.
Year of 2006 interview.

11-exit interview obtained
15-exit interview not
obtained
21-post-exit interview
obtained
25-post-exit interview not
obtained
99-not in this wave
1-core interview obtained,
was a proxy, proxy was
provided by spouse or
partner
2-core interview obtained,
was a proxy, proxy was not
provided by spouse or
partner
5-core interview obtained,
was not a proxy
9-core interview not
obtained
11-exit interview obtained,
proxy provided by
spouse/partner
12-exit interview obtained,
proxy was not provided by
spouse or partner, or
unknown who provided
proxy interview
19-exit interview not
obtained
21-post-Exit interview
obtained, proxy provided
by spouse/partner
22-post-exit interview
obtained, proxy was not
provided by spouse or
partner, or unknown who
provided proxy interview
29-post-exit interview not
obtained
13- -1913
23- 1914-1923
30-1924-1930
36- 1931-1936
41- 1937-1941
47- 1942-1947
80- 1948+

329

Table Q2. Demographics (see note A)
Panel Q2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable
G757

Wording of Question/Description
Gender.

G1051

In what month, day, and year were you born?

G1053

In what month, day, and year were you born?

G1101

Current age.

G1158

Assigned marital status.

Panel Q2.2. Ethnicity, Race and Language
Variable
RACE

Wording of Question/Description
Race/ethnicity.

HISPANIC

Hispanic type.

G1089

Do you consider yourself Hispanic or Latino?

Scale (if applicable)
1-male
2-female
1-Jan
2-Feb
3-Mar
4-Apr
5-May
6-Jun
7-Jul
8-Aug
9-Sep
10-Oct
11-Nov
12-Dec
98-dk
99-rf
1880-1899-actual value
(verified)
1900-1970-actual value
1971-1985-actual value
(verified)
9998-dk
9999-rf
(actual value)
998-dk/na
999-rf
0-dk, na, rf
1-married
3-separated
4-divorced
5-widowed
6-never married
7-other, specify
Scale (if applicable)
0-not obtained
1-white/Caucasian
2-Black or African
American
7-other
0-Hispanic, type unknown
1-Mexican American
2-other Hispanic
5-note Hispanic
1-yes
5-no
8-dk, na
9-rf
330

G1092A

Do you consider yourself primarily white or
Caucasian, Black or African American, American
Indian, or Asian, or something else?

1-white/Caucasian
2-Black/African American
7-Other (specify); masked
version includes American
Indian, Asian
8-dk, na
9-rf

Panel Q2.3. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)
Variable
G1074A

Wording of Question/Description
What is the highest grade of school or year of
college you completed?

DEGREE

Highest degree of education.

SCHLYRS

Number of years in school.

GHHINC

Imputed household income.

Panel Q2.4. Family and Household
Variable
G1093

G562

G805M

Wording of Question/Description
I need to clarify some aspect of family history. How
many children have (you fathered/you given birth
to)? Please don’t count miscarriages or still-births,
or adopted or step-children for this question.
Are you and your (new) (husband/wife/partner)
living in the same (nursing home/health care
facility) together?
In what city and state is your (house or
apartment/house/apartment) currently located?

Scale (if applicable)
0-for no formal education
1-11-grades
12-high school
13-15-some college
16-college graduate
17-post-college (17+ years)
97-other
98-dk, na
99-rf
0-no degree
1-GED
2-high school diploma
3-two-year college degree
4-four-year college degree
5-master degree
6-professional degree (PhD,
MD, JD)
9-degree unknown
0-no formal education
1-11-grades
12-high school
13-15-some college
16-college graduate
17-post-college (17+ years)
99-na

Scale (if applicable)
0-15-actual value
16-94-actual value (verified)
98-dk, na
99-rf
1-yes
5-no
8-dk
9-rf
(see codebook for regional
details)
1-Northeast: New England
Division (ME, NH, VT, MA,
RI, CT)
2-Northeast: Middle
331

Atlantic Division (NY, NJ,
PA)
3-Midwest: East North
Central Division (OH,
IN,IL, MI, WI)
4-Midwest: West North
Central Division (MN, IA,
MO, ND, SD, NE, KS)
5-South: South Atlantic
Division (DE, MD, DC, VA,
WV, NC, SC, GA, FL)
6-South: East South Central
Division (KY, TN, AL, MS)
7-South: West South
Central Division (AR, LA,
OK, TX)
8-West: Mountain Division
(MT, ID, WY, CO, NM, AZ,
UT, NV)
9-West: Pacific Division
(WA, OR, CA, AK, HI)
10-US, n/a state
11-foreign country (includes
US territories)
98- don’t know, n/a

Table Q3. Early Life Conditions (see note A)
Panel Q3.1. Birthplace
Variable
USBORN

Wording of Question/Description
Born in the United States.

G1061M

Region and state born.

G1125

Were you living in a rural area most of the time
when you were [in grade school/in high
school/about age 10]?

BIRTHMO

Birth month.

Scale (if applicable)
1-born in the United States
5-born in a foreign country
9-country of birth unknown
1-Northeast
2-Northeast
3-Midwest
4-Midwest
5-South
6-South
7-South
8-West
9-West
10-US, n/a state
11-foreign country not in a
census division (includes
US territories)
1-yes
5-no
8-dk, n.a.
9-rf
0-month of birth is
332

BIRTHYR

Birth year.

unknown
1-January
2-February
3-March
4-April
5-May
6-June
7-July
8-August
9-September
10-October
11-November
12-December
0-year of birth is unknown
(year of birth)

Panel Q3.2. Childhood Health and Nutrition (see note A)
Variable
G1079

Wording of Question/Description
Consider your health while you were growing up,
from birth to age 16. Would you say that your
health during that time was excellent, very good,
good, fair, or poor?

height
Height (inches).
(constructed
variable
from several
waves of
data, see
note below)
G1428
About how tall are you?
G1429

About how tall are you?

Panel Q3.3. Childhood SES
Variable
G1080

Wording of Question/Description
Now think about your family when you were
growing up, from birth to age 16. Would you say
your family during that time was pretty well of
financially, about average, or poor?

G1081

While you were growing up, before age 16, did
financial difficulties ever cause you or your family
to move to a different place?

Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-fair
5-poor
8-dk
9-rf

(feet)
8-don’t know/na
9-rf
(inches)
8-don’t know/na
9-rf
Scale (if applicable)
1-pretty well off
2-very good
3- about average
4-fair
5-poor
6 it varied (vol)
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
8-dk
9-rf
333

G1082

Before age 16, was there a time when you or your
family received help from relatives because of
financial difficulties?

G1083

Before age 16, was there a time of several months
or more when your father had no job?

G1084M

What was your father’s occupation when you were
age 16? [IWER: Probe] What kind of work did he
do? What activities did he do at work?

1-yes
5-no
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-father never
worked/always disabled
7-never lived with
father/father was not alive
8-dk
9-rf
(father’s occupation, see
codebook for details)
1-Mangerial specialty
operation (003-037)
2-Professional specialty
operation and technical
support (043-235)
3-Sales (243-285)"
4-Clerical, administrative
support (303-389)
5-Service: private
household, cleaning and
building services (403-407)
6-Service: protection (413427)
7-Service: food
preparation (433-444)
8-Health services (445447)
9-Personal services (448469)
10-Farming, forestry,
fishing (473-499)
11-Mechanics and repair
(503-549)
12-Construction trade and
extractors (553-617)
13-Precision production
(633-699)
14-Operators: machine
(703-799)
15-Operators: transport,
etc. (803-859)
16-Operators: handlers,
etc. (863-889)
17-Member of Armed
Forces (900)
98-dk, na
98-dk, na
334

G1085

Did you ever live in the same household with a
grandparent for a year or more before age 17?

G1087

What is the highest grade of school your father
completed?

G1088

And what is the highest grade of school your
mother completed?

G1122M

In what state or country did you live most of the
time you were [in grade school/in high
school/about age 10]?

G1125

Were you living in a rural area most of the time
when you were [in grade school/in high
school/about age 10]?

1-yes
5-no
8-dk
9-rf
0-no formal education
1-11-grades
12-high school
13-15-some college
16-college grad
17-post college (17+ years)
97-other
98 -dk
99 -rf
0-no formal education
1-11-grades
12-high school
13-15-some college
16-college grad
17-post college (17+ years)
97-other
98 -dk
99 -rf
1-Northeast Region: New
England Division
2-Northeast Region: Middle
Atlantic Division
3- Midwest Region: West
North Central Division
4-Midwest Region: West
North Central Division
5-South Region: South
Atlanta Division
6-South Region: East South
Central Division
9-West Region: Pacific
Region
11- Foreign Country: Not in
a census survey
97-other (specify)
98-dk
99-rf
1-yes
5-no
8-dk, na
9-rf

Table Q4. Adult Lifestyle

Panel Q4.1. Adult Smoking (see note A)
Variable
V298

Wording of Question/Description
How would you describe yourself; as a current

Scale (if applicable)
1-current smoker
335

smoker, as a former smoker, or as someone who has
never smoked?

2-former smoker
3-never smoked
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
8-dk
9-rf

G1399

Have you ever smoked cigarettes?

V501,
W452,
D942,
E942,
F1266,
G1400

Do you smoke cigarettes now?

Variable
G1395

Wording of Question/Description
On average over the last 12 months have you
participated in vigorous physical activity or exercise
three times a week or more? By vigorous physical
activity, we mean things like sports, heavy housework,
or a job that involves physical labor.

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
5-no
8-dk
9-rf

Wording of Question/Description
Do you ever drink any alcoholic beverages such as
beer, wine, or liquor?

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-never have used alcohol
5-no
8-dk
9-rf

Panel Q4.2. Adult Exercise

Panel Q4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption
Variable
G1415

Panel Q4.4. Health Care Utilization
Variable
G2603

G2604

Wording of Question/Description
Aside from any hospital stays, how many times have
you seen or talked to a medical doctor about your
health, including emergency room or clinic visits
(since Q218-PR219 previous wave IW month/Q219PR219 previous wave IW year/in the last two years)?
Did it amount to less than 20 times, more than 20
times, or what?

G2605

Did it amount to less than 5 times, more than 5 times,
or what?

G2606

Do you think you have seen a medical doctor about
your health at least once (since Q218-PR218 previous
wave IW month/Q219-PR219 previous wave IW
year/in the last two years)?
Did it amount to less than 50 times, more than 50
times, or what?

G2607

Scale (if applicable)
(number of times)
0-zero
998-dk/NA
999-rf
1-less than 20 times
3-about 20 times
5-more than 20 times
8-dk/NA
9-rf
1-less than 5 times
3-about 5 times
5-more than 5 times
8-dk/NA
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
8-dk/NA
9-rf
1-less than 50 times
3-about 50 times
336

5-more than 50 times
8-dk/NA
9-rf

Table Q5. Adult Health Outcomes (see note A)
Panel Q5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable
G1226

Wording of Question/Description
Next I have some questions about your health.
Would you say your health is excellent, very
good, good, fair, or poor?

G1229

Compared with your health when we talked to
you in respondent’s last interview month, year
would you say that your health is better now,
about the same, or worse?

G1233

Is it much better or somewhat better?

G1234

Is it much worse or somewhat worse?

Panel Q5.2. Anthropometric Measures (see note A)
Variable
G1425

Wording of Question/Description
About how much do you weigh?

Panel Q5.3. Self-Reported Health and Vignettes
Variable
A01_07, B 06_07

Wording of Question/Description
Overall, in the last 30 days, how much pain or
bodily aches did you have?

A02_07, B 05_07

In the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you
have with sleeping such as falling asleep,
waking up frequently during the night or
waking up too early in the morning?

A03_07, B 04_07

Overall, in the last 30 days, how much of a
problem did you have with moving around?

Scale (if applicable)
1-excellent
2-very good
3-good
4-fair
5-poor
8-dk (don’t know), not
ascertained
9-rf (refused)
1-better
2-about the same
3-worse
8-dk, na
9-rf
1-much better
2-somewhat better
8-dk, na
9-rf
4-somewhat worse
5-much worse
8-dk, na
9-rf
Scale (if applicable)
(pounds)
998-dk
999-rf
Scale (if applicable)
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
337

A04_07, B 03_07

Overall, in the last 30 days, how much difficulty
did you have with concentrating or
remembering things?

A05_07, B02_07

In the last 30 days, how much of a problem did
you have because of shortness of breath?

A06_07, B01_07

Overall, in the last 30 days, how much of a
problem did you have with feeling sad, low, or
depressed?

A07_07, B 07_07

Do you have any impairment or health problem
that limits the kind or amount of work you can
do?

A08_07, A10_07,
A12_07, A26_07,
A27_07, A28_07,
A32_07, A33_07,
A34_07, B21_07,
B23_07, B25_07,
B26_07, B27_07,
B28_07, B32_07,
B33_07, B34_07
A09_07, A11_07,
A13_07, B20_07,
B22_07, B24_07
A14_07, A16_07,
A18_07, B15_07,
B17_07, B19_07
A15_07, A17_07,
A19_07, B14_07,
B16_07, B18_07
A20_07, A24_07,
B09_07, B11_07,
B13_07
A21_07, A22_07,
A23_07, A25_07,
A29_07, A30_07,
B08_07, B10_07,
B12_07, B29_07,
B30_07, B31_07

Pain vignettes.

Variable
G2692

Wording of Question/Description
Because of a health or memory problem do you

5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme

Sleeping vignettes.
Mobility vignettes.
Cognition vignettes.
Respiratory vignettes.
Depression vignettes.

Panel Q5.3. Functionality

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
338

have difficulty with walking one block?

G2695

G2698

G2701

G2704

G2707

G2710

G2713

G2716

5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
Because of a health or memory problem do you
1-yes
have difficulty with sitting for about two hours? 5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
Because of a health or memory problem do you
1-yes
have difficulty getting up from a chair after
5-no
sitting for long periods?
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
Because of a health or memory problem do you
1-yes
have difficulty climbing several flights of stairs
5-no
without resting?
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
Because of a health or memory problem do you
1-yes
have difficulty climbing one flight of stairs
5-no
without resting?
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
Because of a health or memory problem do you
1-yes
have difficulty stooping, kneeling, or crouching? 5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
Because of a health or memory problem do you
1-yes
have difficulty reaching or extending your arms 5-no
above shoulder level?
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
Because of a health or memory problem do you
1-yes
have difficulty pulling or pushing large objects
5-no
like a living room chair?
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
Because of a health or memory problem do you
1-yes
have difficulty lifting or carrying weights over 10 5-no
pounds, like a heavy bag of groceries?
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
339

G2719

Because of a health or memory problem do you
have difficulty picking up a dime from a table?

G2725

Because of a health or memory problem do you
have difficulty with walking across a room?

G2689

Because of a health problem do you have any
difficulty with walking several blocks?

G2690

Do you have any difficulty with running or
jogging about a mile?

G2723

Because of a health or memory problem do you
have difficulty with dressing, including putting
on shoes or socks?

G2742

Because of a health or memory problem do you
have difficulty with bathing or showering?

G2752

Because of a health or memory problem do you
have difficulty with eating, such as cutting up
your food?

G2762

Because of a health or memory problem do you
have difficulty with getting in or out of bed?

G2775

Because of a health or memory problem do you

8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes5-no
340

have difficulty with using the toilet, including
getting up or down?
G2851

Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have any difficulty using a map to figure out
how to get around in a strange place?

G2860

Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty preparing a hot meal?

G2865

Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty shopping for groceries?

G2870

Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty making phone calls?

G2875

Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty taking medications?

G2916

Because of a health or memory problem, do you
have difficulty managing your money—such as
paying your bills and keeping track of expenses?

Panel Q5.4. Chronic Conditions
Variable
G1238

Wording of Question/Description
(If new interview respondent:) Has a doctor
ever told you that you have high blood pressure
or hypertension?
(If reinterview respondent:) Previous wave
(yes/no).
(If respondent reported in last interview that
had high blood pressure or hypertension:) Our
records from your last interview show that you
have had high blood sugar or hypertension.

6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
6-can’t do
7-don’t do
8-dk
9-rf
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
3-disputes previous
wave record, but now
has condition
4-disputes previous
wave record, does not
have condition
5-no
8-dk
341

G1245

G1248

(If reinterview respondent and respondent did
not report in last interview that had high blood
pressure or hypertension:) Since we talked last
in respondent’s last interview month, year, has
a doctor told you that you have high blood sugar
or hypertension?
(If new interview respondent:) Has a doctor
ever told you that you have diabetes or high
blood pressure?
(If reinterview respondent:) Previous wave
(yes/no).
(If respondent reported in last interview that
had diabetes or high blood pressure:) Our
records (from your last interview in
respondent’s last interview month, year) show
that you have had diabetes or high blood sugar.
(If reinterview respondent and respondent did
not report in last interview that had diabetes or
high blood pressure:) Since we talked last in
respondent’s last interview month, year, has a
doctor told you that you have diabetes or high
blood sugar?
In order to treat or control your diabetes, are
you now taking medication that you swallow?

G1249

Are you now using insulin shots or a pump?

G1262

(If new interview respondent:) Has a doctor
ever told you that you have cancer or a
malignant tumor, excluding minor skin
cancers?
(If reinterview respondent:) Previous wave
(yes/no).
(If respondent reported in last interview that
had cancer:) Our records from your last
interview in respondent’s last interview month,
year show that you have had cancer.
(If reinterview respondent and respondent did
not report in last interview that had cancer:)
Since we talked last in respondent’s last
interview month, year, has a doctor told you
that you have cancer or a malignant tumor,
excluding minor skin cancer?
(If new interview respondent:) Has a doctor
ever told you that you have chronic lung disease
such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema?
(If reinterview respondent:) Previous wave
(yes/no).

G1279

9-rf

1-yes
3-disputes previous
wave record, but now
has condition
4-disputes previous
wave record, does not
have condition
5-no
8-dk
9-rf

1-yes
5-no
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
5-no
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
3-disputes previous
wave record, but now
has condition
4-disputes previous
wave record, does not
have condition
5-no
8-dk
9-rf

1-yes
3-disputes previous
wave record, but now
has condition
4-disputes previous
342

G1289

G1309

G1327

(If respondent reported in last interview that
had lung disease:) Our records from your last
interview in respondent’s last interview month,
year show that you have had chronic lung
disease, such as chronic bronchitis or
emphysema.
(If reinterview respondent and respondent did
not report in last interview that had lung
disease:) Since we last talked with you, (that is
since respondent’s last interview month, year,)
has a doctor told you that you have chronic lung
disease, such as chronic bronchitis or
emphysema?
(Interviewer: Do not include asthma.)
(If new interview respondent:) Has a doctor
ever told you that you have had a heart attack,
coronary heart disease, angina, congestive heart
failure, or other heart problems?
(If reinterview respondent:) Previous wave
(yes/no).
(If respondent reported in last interview that
had heart problem:) Our records (from your last
interview in respondent’s last interview month,
year) show that you have had a heart problem.
(If reinterview respondent and respondent did
not report in last interview that had heart
problem:) (Since your interview in respondent’s
last interview month, year, has a doctor told
you that you have had) a heart attack, (have)
coronary heart disease, angina, congestive heart
failure, or other heart problems?
(If new interview respondent:) Has a doctor
ever told you that you had a stroke?
(If reinterview respondent:) Previous wave
(yes/no).
(If respondent reported in last interview that
had stroke:) Our records (from your last
interview in respondent’s last interview month,
year) show that you have had a stroke.
(If reinterview respondent and respondent did
not report in last interview that had stroke:)
(Since your interview in respondent’s last
interview month, year, has a doctor told you
that you have had) a stroke?
(If new interview respondent:) Has a doctor
ever told you that you have arthritis or
rheumatism?
(If reinterview respondent:) Previous wave
(yes/no).
(If respondent reported in last interview that
had arthritis:) Our records (from your last

wave record, does not
have condition
5-no
8-dk
9-rf

1-yes
3-disputes previous
wave record, but now
has condition
4-disputes previous
wave record, does not
have condition
5-no
8-dk
9-rf

1-yes
2-possible stroke or TIA
(transient ischemic
attack)
3-disputes previous
wave record, but now
has condition
4-disputes previous
wave record, does not
have condition
5-no
8-dk
9-rf
1-yes
3-disputes previous
record, but now has
condition
4-disputes previous
record, does not have
condition
343

interview in respondent’s last interview month,
year) show that you have had arthritis.
(If reinterview respondent and respondent did
not report in last interview that had arthritis:)
(Since your interview in respondent’s last
interview month, year, have you had or has a
doctor told you that you have) arthritis or
rheumatism?

5-no
8-dk
9-rf

Panel Q5.6. Adult Mortality
Variable
GALIVE

Wording of Question/Description
2000 Vital Status, based on HRS tracking
efforts.

Scale (if applicable)
1-alive at this wave
2-presumed alive as of
this wave
5-known deceased as of
this wave
6-known deceased as of
prior wave
9-vital status unknown
KALIVE
2006 Vital Status, based on HRS tracking
1-alive at this wave
efforts.
2-presumed alive as of
this wave
5-known deceased as of
this wave
6-known deceased as of
prior wave
9-vital status unknown
NSCORE
National Death Index Match Score.
0-not listed as deceased
in variable xNDALIVE
21-997-probabilistic
match score
NMONTH
National Death Index Month of Death.
0-not listed as deceased
1-January
2-February
3-March
4-April
5-May
6-June
7-July
8-August
9-September
10-October
11-November
12-December
NYEAR
National Death Index Year of Death.
0-not listed as deceased
1992-2004-year of death
Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above. Juster,
F.T. & Willis, R.J. Health and Retirement Study (HRS). University of Michigan: Institute for
Social Research [distributor]: accessed 2008-07-01, accessed 2012.
http://hrsonline.isr.umich.edu/.
Notes:
344

NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below along
with other notes particular to the tables above.
The variables for HRS 2000 all begin with “G,” earlier years start with different letters. For
example, “E” for 1996 and “F” for 1998. Variables from previous years do not appear in the table
(with the exception of adult smoking variables), though data may have been used to gather
responses.
Note A, Table Q2. Variable G562 was in the household cover screen questionnaire and was used
to calculate household size. There is a variable to determine in which state the respondent was
born. The variable determining the number of children was created using several waves of HRS
data (variables V145 (wave 1993), D668 (1995), E668 (1996), F1006 (1998), and G1093 (2000)).
Note A, Panel Q2.3. Variable G1074A combines data from previous waves with data from
variable G1074 (includes only information from the 2000 wave).
Note A, Table Q3. Most of the childhood variables were created using a subset of the 1996, 1998,
and 2000 HRS data. The 2000 variables are listed in the table above.
Note A, Panel Q3.2. Variables regarding childhood were asked in HRS to individuals in 1996,
1998 and 2000. To construct the final childhood variables, data from HRS 1996, 1998 and 2000
were combined. Shown in the table are examples of variables found in HRS 2000. Variables
from 1996 (beginning with “E”) and 1998 (beginning with “F”) are not shown in this table but
were similar.
In the case of height a similar situation occurred. Height was asked of respondent during the
first HRS interview. Previous waves were used to ascertain the height of respondents in HRS
2000 who had participated in HRS prior to 2000 (variables V517 and V518 (wave 1992
imputed), V306 (1993), W463 and W464 (1994), D958 and D959 (1995), E958 and E959 (1996),
F1295 and F1296 (1998), and G1428 (2000)).
Note A, Panel Q4.1. To create a variable for smoking, several different waves of HRS had to be
examined (variables V501 (wave 1992 imputed), V298 (1993), W452 (1994), D942 (1995), E942
(1996), F1266 (1998), and G1400 (2000)). In 1993, the question was worded slightly different
from those of the other waves in that it distinguished between those who never smoked and
those who formerly smoked (1993:1-currernt smoker, 2-former smoker, 3-never smoked and for
all other waves: 1-smoking 5-never smoke).
Note A, Table Q5. Variables G1250-G1256 provide additional questions regarding diabetes.
Note A, Panel Q5.2. The vignettes were part of the 2006 study and done as a mail out to a
subsample of respondents. There are two versions, A and B, of the vignettes (see Juster & Willis,
accessed 2012). The data for the vignettes were accessed in August 2012 from the 2007 HRS
Mail out Disability Vignette Study (version 1.0).
NOTE B.
In some instances questions were asked only during the first time a respondent was interviewed
in the HRS study. These included self-reported questions on height and early childhood. To
345

obtain this information for a particular survey year (e.g. HRS 2000) several previous waves had
to be reviewed to compile the needed information.

346

Appendix R: US-WLS original variables
The tables below describe the original variables from the US-WLS survey that were used
to construct variables for the cross national data set. These variables are marked in
bold. The list of variables in the tables also includes original variables that are included
in the country-specific data files but not in the cross national data set. The variables are
grouped according to the same groupings used in the table of contents of the technical
report. After the tables there are notes specific to the US data that should be taken into
account when examining the data.

Table R1. Respondent
Variable

Wording of Question/Description

Scale (if applicable)

ga006re

Did Graduate Respondent complete the entire phone
interview in 2003-05 or partial?

1-completed questions for
entire interview
2-partial, completed
through BR3+

ga016rem

Month Graduate Respondent completed telephone
interview.

ga016red

Day Graduate Respondent completed telephone
interview.

ga016rey

Year Graduate Respondent completed telephone
interview.

1-January
2-February
3-March
4-April
5-May
6-June
7-July
8-August
9-September
10-October
11-November
12-December
1-7
8-13
14-20
21-27
28-31
2003
2004
2005

ga029re

Date Graduate Respondent’s telephone interview was
delivered to WLS from UWSC.
Day mail survey returned.

idpriv

ia004dre

Identification number for public use. This ID is the
same for all respondents: i.e. graduate and sibling
respondents.

1-6
7-12
13-18
19-25
26-31
-4-missing/not
ascertained
347

ia004mre

Month mail survey returned.

ia004yre

Year mail survey returned.

stat04m

Outcome of 2004 graduate respondent mail interview.

-4-missing/not
ascertained
1-January
2-February
3-March
4-April
5-May
6-June
7-July
8-August
9-September
10-October
11-November
12-December
-4-missing/not
ascertained
2003
2004
2005
2006
1-mail returned, entire
phone interview
completed
2-mail returned, partial
useable phone completed
3-mail returned, no
useable phone completed
4-mail questionnaire sent,
not returned
5-mail questionnaire not
sent

Table R2. Demographics

Panel R2.1. Gender, Age and Marital Status
Variable

Wording of Question/Description

Scale (if applicable)

brdxdy

Graduate’s year of birth.

11-1911
30-1930
34-1934
35-1935
36-1936
37-1937
38-1938
39-1939
40-1940
41-1941
-3-not ascertained or
nonrespondent in both 1975
and 1992/93 interviews

sexrsp

Sex of respondent (1957).

1-male
2-female

348

ga003re
gc001re

Graduate respondent’s age at time of interview.
Current marital status.

Panel R2.2. Ethnicity, Race and Language
Variable
ie008re

Wording of Question/Description
Is your race/origin White?

ie019rec

Number of races/origins graduate respondent indicated
being/having.

ie009re

Is your race/origin Black, African American, or Negro?

ie010re

Is your race/origin American Indian or Alaskan Native?

ie012re

Is your race/origin Asian?

ie014re

Is your race/origin Pacific Islander?

ie016re

Is your race/origin Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish?

ie017re

Is your race/origin something other than White, Black,
African American, Negro, American Indian, Alaskan
Native, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Latino, or
Spanish?

(age; range: 62-73)
1-currently married
2-separated
3-divorced
4-widowed
5-never married
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
-4-not ascertained
Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
0-none, refused all
1-one race
2-two races
3-three races
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused

Panel R2.3. Education, Income and Wealth (see note A)
Variable

Wording of Question/Description

Scale (if applicable)

349

gb103red

How many years of education does the graduate
have based on his or her highest degree?

gb104red

How many years of education does the graduate
have based on his or her most recent degree?

gb005rec

What is the graduate’s highest degree since high
school?

gp250rec

Total Person Income—TPI.

gp260hec

Total Household Income—THI.

Panel R2.4. Family and Household
Variable

Wording of Question/Description

12-less than one year of
college
13-one year of college
14-asst. degree, two years
of college
15-three or more years of
college
16-bachelor’s degree
17-master’s degree
18-two-year master’s
19-professional degrees,
one or more years post
two-year master’s
20-PhD, MD
21-post doctorate
education
-3-refused
12-less than one year of
college
13-one year of college
14-asst. degree, two years
of college
15-three or more years of
college
16-bachelor’s degree
17-master’s degree
18-two-year master’s
19-professional degrees,
one or more years post
two-year master’s
20-PhD, MD
-3-refused
1-associate degree
2-bachelor’s degree
3-master’s degree
4-doctorate or
professional degree
-2-inappropriate
(income)
-5-partial interview

(income)
-5-partial interview

Scale (if applicable)
350

gk067ss

gd001kd

gd102kd

ge001he

Total number of siblings ever born.

0-no siblings
1-26-one to twenty six
siblings
-3-not ascertained, don’t
know
Total number of respondent’s children. Include
0-no children
biological, adopted, step or foster children as well as 1-one child
other. Respondent considered to be a part of his/her 2-two children
family.
3-three children
4-four children
5-five children
6-six children
7-seven children
8-eight children
9-nine children
10-17-ten to seventeen
children
-2-inappropriate
-4-not ascertained
Were there any deceased children at time of 1993 or
2004 interview?

Number of household members. Includes
respondent.

0-at least 1 child dead by ’92
interview
1-at least one by 2003-2005
interview, none in 1992
2-no children deceased by
2003-2005 interview
-2-inappropriate

(number of members)

Table R3. Early Life Conditions
Panel R3.1. Birthplace
Variable
ie001re

Wording of Question/Description
In what city were you born?

Scale (if applicable)
“Baltimore”
“Browndeer”
“Coloma”
“Hancock”
“Menomimee”
“Mucsi”
“Packwaukee Township”
“Waterbury”
“Waukegan”
“Wyocena”

351

ie002re

In what county were you born?

ie003re

In what state were you born?

“Greenbay”
“Hamlin”
“Houston”
“Menomimee”
“Metarie”
“Rusk”
“Saskatchewan”
“Tremp.”
“Ventura”
“Wauksha”

-3-refused
0-international
1-Alabama
2-Alaska
3-Arizona
4-Arkansas
5-California
6-Colorado
7-Conecticut
9-District of Columbia
10-Florida
11-Georgia
14-Illinois
15-Indiana
16-Iowa
17-Kansas
18-Kentucky
19-Louisiana
21-Maryland
22-Massachusetts
23-Michigan
24-Minnesota
25-Mississippi
26-Missouri
27-Montana
28-Nebraska
29-Nevada
31-New Jersey
32-New Mexico
33-New York
34-North Carolina
36-Ohio
37-Oklahoma
38-Oregon
39-Pennsylvania
41-South Carolina
42-South Dakota
43-Tennessee
352

ie004re

Were you born in Wisconsin?

rlur57

1957 population of town in which graduate attended high
school with urban-rural distinction.

cmbrdx

Graduate’s century month of birthdate.

Panel R3.2. Childhood Health

44-Texas
46-Vermont
48-Washington
49-West Virginia
50-Wisconsin
51-Wyoming

1-yes, born in Wisconsin
2-no, born outside
Wisconsin
-3-refused
1-rural, graduate’s father a
farmer
2-under 1,000
3-1,000-2,499
4-2,500-9,999
5-10,000-24,999
6-25,000-49,999
7-50,000-99,999
8-100,000-150,000
(Madison)
9-Over 150,000 (Milwaukee)
(century month; range: 139499)
-3-not ascertained or
nonrespondent in both 1975
and 1992/93 interviews

Variable

Wording of Question/Description

Scale (if applicable)

ixc01rer

How would you rate your health as a child?

iv205rer

We would like to ask you about some of your experiences
growing up—until you were 18 years old. My parents
encouraged me to go to college.

1-poor
2-fair
3-good
4-very good
5-excellent
-3-refused

iv206rer

We would like to ask you about some of your experiences
growing up—until you were 18 years old. I saw a parent
or one of my brothers or sisters get beaten in my home.

1-never
2-rarely
3-sometimes
4-often
5-very often
-3-refused
1-never
2-rarely
3-sometimes
4-often
5-very often
-3-refused

353

iv207rer

We would like to ask you about some of your experiences
growing up—until you were 18 years old. I knew that
there was someone to take care of me and protect me.

iv208rer

The following questions are about how your father (or
step/foster father) treated you while growing up—until
you were 18 years old. My father (or step/foster father)
insulted or swore at me.

iv209rer

The following questions are about how your father (or
step/foster father) treated you while growing up—until
you were 18 years old. My father (or step/foster father)
slapped, shoved or threw things at me.

iv210rer

The following questions are about how your father (or
step/foster father) treated you while growing up—until
you were 18 years old. My father (or step/foster father)
treated me in a way I would now consider physical
abuse.

iv211rer

The following questions are about how your mother (or
step/foster mother) treated you while growing up—until
you were 18 years old. My mother (or step/foster
mother) insulted or swore at me.

iv212rer

The following questions are about how your mother (or
step/foster mother) treated you while growing up—until
you were 18 years old. My mother (or step/foster
mother) slapped, shoved or threw things at me.

iv213rer

ixc02rer

The following questions are about how your mother (or
step/foster mother) treated you while growing up—until
you were 18 years old. My mother (or step/foster
mother) treated me in a way I would now consider
physical abuse.
Did you have asthma as a child?

ixc03rer

Did you have frequent ear infections as a child?

1-never
2-rarely
3-sometimes
4-often
5-very often
-3-refused
-1-don’t know
1-not at all
2-a little
3-some
4-a lot
-3-refused
-1-don’t know
1-not at all
2-a little
3-some
4-a lot
-3-refused
-1-don’t know
1-not at all
2-a little
3-some
4-a lot
-3-refused
-1-don’t know
1-not at all
2-a little
3-some
4-a lot
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-a little
3-some
4-a lot
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-a little
3-some
4-a lot
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused

354

ixc04rer

Did you have your tonsils and/or adenoids removed as a
child?

ixc05rer

Did you have chronic bronchitis as a child?

ixc06rer

Did you have whooping cough/pertussis as a child?

ixc07rer

Did you have polio as a child?

ixc08rer

Did you have diphtheria as a child?

ixc09rer

Did you have hepatitis as a child?

ixc10rer

Did you have pneumonia as a child?

ixc11rer

Did you have meningitis as a child?

ixc12rer

Did you have mono/infectious mononucleosis as a child?

ixc13rer

Through age 16, did you ever miss school for 1 month or
more because of a health condition?

ixc14rer

Through age 16, were you ever confined to bed or home
for 1 month or more because of a health condition?

ixc15rer

Through age 16, were your sports or physical activities
ever restricted for 3 months or more because of a health
condition?

1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused

355

ixc16are

ixc16bre

What was the most serious health condition that caused
you to miss school for 1 month or more, be confined to
bed or home for 1 month or more, or be restricted from
sports or physical activities for 3 months or more? These
are ICD-9 and ICF codes.
What was the most serious health condition that caused
you to miss school for 1 month or more, be confined to
bed or home for 1 month or more, or be restricted from
sports or physical activities for 3 months or more? These
are collapsed ICD-9 and ICF codes.

Panel R3.3. Childhood Nutrition (see note A)

2-7081-ICD-9/ICF Code
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
-18-could not code
10-infectious and parasitic
diseases
20-neoplasms
30-endocrine, nutritional,
metabolic, immunity
40-blood and blood-forming
organs
50-mental disorders
60-nervous system and
sense organs
70-circulatory system
80-respiratory systems
90-digestive system
100-genitourinary system
120-skin and subcutaneous
tissue
130-musculoskeletal system
and connective tissue
140-congenital anomalies
150-condition in the
perinatal period
160-symptoms, signs, and
ill-defined conditions
170-injury and poisoning
180-ICD-9 E Codes
190-ICD-9 V Codes
200-IDC-9 Volume 3
Headings
230-ICF Activities and
Participation
240-ICF Environmental
Factors
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
-18-could not code

Variable

Wording of Question/Description

Scale (if applicable)

ix010fre

How tall are you: feet component?

(feet)
-3-refused
-4-not ascertained

ix010rec

Graduate respondent’s total height in inches.

(height in inches)
-2-inappropriate
-4-not ascertained

356

ix010ire

How tall are you: inches component?

ix011rec

Body Mass Index based on Graduate Respondent’s
weight and height.

Panel R3.4. Childhood SES
Variable
dadocc1

Wording of Question/Description
Father’s occupation, by broad category. First category
chosen.

dadocc2

Father’s occupation, by broad category. Second category
chosen.

edfa57q

Father’s years of schooling.

edmo57q

Mother’s years of schooling.

(height in inches)
-3-refused
-4-not ascertained
(Body mass index, range: 1264)
-2-inappropriate
-4-not ascertained
Scale (if applicable)
1-office work
2-professional
3-executive
4-factory worker
5-salesman
6-owns/manages small
business
7-owns/manages farm
8-other occupation (specify)
-3-blank, no info provided
3-executive
4-factory worker
5-salesman
6-owns/manages small
business
7-owns/manages farm
8-other occupation (specify)
-3-blank, no info provided

7-did not attend high
school
10-attended high school
12-graduated from high
school
13-attended trade or
business school
14-attended college
16-graduated from college
18-has masters or PhD
-1-don’t know
-3-not ascertained
7-did not attend high school
10-attended high school
12-graduated from high
school
13-attended trade or
business school
14-attended college
16-graduated from college
18-has masters or PhD
-1-don’t know
-3-not ascertained
357

ocf57

Father’s occupation by general category.

1-unskilled or not
ascertained
2-farming
3-skilled
4-white collar
5-professional or
executive

Table R4. Adult Lifestyle
Panel R4.1. Adult Smoking
Variable

Wording of Question/Description

Scale (if applicable)

ixt01rer

Have you ever smoked a pipe or cigars, or used
snuff or chewing tobacco regularly in your entire
life?
Have you ever smoked cigarettes regularly in your
entire life?

1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused

ix012rer
ix013rec

Does Graduate Respondent currently smoke?

ix014rer

For how many years has Graduate Respondent smoked,
or did Respondent smoke regularly?
About how many packs did you usually smoke per day
when you smoked regularly, or how many packs do you
smoke a day now?
Up until you were 16 years old, did anyone in your
household, other than yourself, smoke?

ix015rer
ixt02rer
ixt03rer

Up until you were 16 years old, did your mother smoke?

ixt04rer

Up until you were 16 years old, did your father smoke?

ixt05rer

Up until you were 16 years old, did someone in your
household other than your parents smoke?

ixt06rer

How old were you when you started smoking regularly?

ixt07rer

How often do you smoke now?

1-yes
2-no
-2-inappropriate
(years, range: 1-57)
-2-inappropriate
(number of packs)
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
(age)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused

1-everyday
2-some days
3-not at all
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused

358

ixt08rer

On average, how many packs do you smoke a day?

(number of packs rounded
to quarter packs)
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused

ixt09rer

For how many years have you been smoking the average
number of packs a day you smoke now?

ixt10rer

About how many packs did you usually smoke per day
when you smoked regularly?

(number of years rounded to
whole years)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
(number of packs rounded
to quarter packs)
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused

ixt11rer

How old were you when you last smoked cigarettes?

ixt12rer

Does anyone, other than yourself, regularly smoke
cigarettes or other tobacco products inside your home?

Panel R4.2. Adult Exercise (see note A)

(age)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused

Variable
ixe01rer

Wording of Question/Description
How many hours per month do you participate in light
physical activities, either alone or with others?

Scale (if applicable)
(number of hours)
-2-inappropriate

ixe02rer

How many hours per month do you participate in
vigorous physical activities, either alone or with
others?

(number of hours)
-2-inappropriate

iz165rer

iz168rer

iz171rer

iz174rer

During the past year, how many hours per month did
you spend doing light physical activities that you do
alone, such as light housework, gardening, or walking by
yourself?
During the past year, how many hours per month did
you spend doing light physical activities that you do with
others, such as walking with friends, bowling, playing
softball or other team sports with light activity?
During the past year, how many hours per month did
you spend doing vigorous physical activities that you do
alone, such as jogging, swimming, biking, or going to the
gym by yourself?
During the past year, how many hours per month did
you spend doing vigorous physical activities that you do
with others such as jogging, swimming, biking, or going
to the gym with friends or playing team sports?

(number of hours)
-3-refused
-1-don’t know
(number of hours)
-3-refused
-1-don’t know
(number of hours)
-3-refused
-1-don’t know
(number of hours)
-3-refused
-1-don’t know

359

Panel R4.3. Adult Alcohol Consumption
Variable

Wording of Question/Description

ixab11re

When you feel lonely does having a drink help?

ixab01re

ixab02re

ixab03re

ixab04re

ixab05re

ixab06re

ixab07re

ixab08re

ixab09re

ixab10re

Do you ever drink alcoholic beverages?

Scale (if applicable)

1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
-4-not ascertained

1-yes
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
When talking with others, do you ever underestimate
1-yes
how much you actually drink?
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
After a few drinks, have you sometimes not eaten or been 1-yes
able to skip a meal because you didn’t feel hungry?
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
Does having a few drinks help decrease your shakiness
1-yes
or tremors?
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
Does alcohol sometimes make it hard for you to
1-yes
remember parts of the day or night?
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
Do you usually take a drink to relax or calm your nerves? 1-yes
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
Do you drink to take your mind off your problems?
1-yes
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
Have you ever increased your drinking after
1-yes
experiencing a loss in your life?
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
Has a doctor or nurse every said they were worried or
1-yes
concerned about your drinking?
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
Have you ever made rules to manage your drinking?
1-yes
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused

360

Panel R4.4. Health Care Utilization
Variable
ixhi01re
ixhi03re

ix1201re

Wording of Question/Description
In the past 12 months, have you seen a doctor or health
professional in an office, clinic, or health center, not
including visits to mental health professionals?
In the past 12 months, how many different times have
you seen a doctor or health professional in an office,
clinic, or health center, not including visits to mental
health professionals?
In the last 12 months, have you had a complete health
exam or physical?

Scale (if applicable)
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
(number of visits; range: 1302)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused

Table R5. Adult Health Outcomes (see note A)
Panel R5.1. Self-Reported Health
Variable

Wording of Question/Description

gx201re

In general, would you say your health is excellent, very 1-excellent
good, good, fair, or poor?
2-very good
3-good
4-fair
5-poor
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
How would you rate your health at the present time?
1-very poor
2-poor
3-fair
4-good
5-excellent
-4-not ascertained
-3-refused

ix001rer

ix002rer

ix003rer

How would you rate your health compared with other
people your same age and sex?

Compared with 10 years ago, how would you rate your
health?

Scale (if applicable)

1-very poor
2-poor
3-fair
4-good
5-excellent
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-much worse
2-somewhat worse
3-about the same
4-somewhat better
5-much better
-3-refused

361

ix004rer

Compared with 10 years ago, how would you rate your
appearance?

Panel R5.2. Anthropometric Measures (see note A)
Variable
ix009rer

Wording of Question/Description
How much do you weigh in pounds?

Panel R5.3. Self-Reported Health and Vignettes
Variable
ixaa1rer

Wording of Question/Description
Name of the person in the World Health Survey Affect A
vignette.

ixab1rer

Name of the person in the World Health Survey Affect B
vignette.

ixac1rer

Name of the person in the World Health Survey Affect C
vignette.

ixad1rer

Name of the person in the World Health Survey Affect D
vignette.

ixma1rer

Name of the person in the World Health Survey Mobility A
vignette.

ixmb1rer

Name of the person in the World Health Survey Mobility B
vignette.

ixmc1rer

Name of the person in the World Health Survey Mobility C
vignette.

1-much worse
2-somewhat worse
3-about the same
4-somewhat better
5-much better
-3-refused
Scale (if applicable)
-4-not ascertained
-3-refused
-1-don’t know
85-146
169-189
190-212
213-375
Scale (if applicable)
1-James
2-Judith
-4-not ascertained
-2-inappropriate
1-John
2-Barbara
-4-not ascertained
-2-inappropriate
1-James2-Judith
3-John
4-Barbara
-4-not ascertained
-2-inappropriate
1-James
2-Judith
3-John
4-Barbara
-4-not ascertained
-2-inappropriate
1-Richard
2-Carol
-4-not ascertained
-2-inappropriate
1-Robert
2-Mary
-4-not ascertained
-2-inappropriate
1-Robert
2-Mary
3-Richard
4-Carol
-4-not ascertained
-2-inappropriate
362

ixmd1rer

Name of the person in the World Health Survey Mobility D
vignette.

ix3001re

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem did you
have with moving around?

ix3002re

Overall in the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you have
in vigorous activities, such as running two miles or cycling?

ix3003re

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem did you
have with feeling sad, low or depressed?

ix3004re

Overall in the last 30 days, how much of a problem did you
have with worry or anxiety?

ixaa2rer,
ixab2rer,
ixac2rer,
ixad2rer

Depression vignettes.

ixaa3rer,
ixab3rer,
ixac3rer,
ixad3rer

Anxiety vignettes.

1-Robert
2-Mary
3-Richard
4-Carol
-4-not ascertained
-2-inappropriate
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-3-refused
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-3-refused
-1-don’t know
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-3-refused
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-3-refused
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-4-not ascertained
-3-refused
-2-inappropriate
-1-don’t know
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-4-not ascertained
-3-refused
-2-inappropriate
-1-don’t know

363

ixma2rer,
ixmb2rer,
ixmc2rer,
ixmd2rer

Mobility vignettes.

ixma3rer,
ixmb3rer,
ixmc3rer,
ixmd3rer

Vigorous activities vignettes.

Panel R5.2. Functionality

1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-4-not ascertained
-3-refused
-2-inappropriate
-1-don’t know
1-none
2-mild
3-moderate
4-severe
5-extreme
-4-not ascertained
-3-refused
-2-inappropriate
-1-don’t know

Variable

Wording of Question/Description

Scale (if applicable)

gx340re

Because of any impairment or health problems, do you
need the help of other persons in handling routine
needs?
Does your health limit moderate activities, such as
moving a table, pushing a vacuum cleaning, bowling,
or playing golf?

1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes, limited a lot
2-yes, limited a little
3-no, not limited at all
-3-refused

ixch02re

Does your health limit climbing several flights of
stairs?

1-yes, limited a lot
2-yes, limited a little
3-no, not limited at all
-3-refused
-1-don’t know

ixch03re

Does your health limit lifting or carrying something as
heavy as 10 lbs., such as a bag of groceries?

ixch04re

Does your health limit lifting or carrying something as
heavy as 25 lbs., such as a bag of pet food?

ixch05re

Does your health limit pushing or pulling large objects
such as a living room chair?

ixch06re

Does your health limit standing or being on your feet
for one hour?

1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
-1-don’t know
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused

ixch01re

364

ixch07re

Does your health limit sitting for one hour?

ixch08re

Does your health limit stooping, crouching, or
kneeling?

ixch09re

Does your health limit reaching over your head?

Panel R5.3. Chronic Conditions
Variable

gx341re

1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused

Wording of Question/Description

Scale (if applicable)

Has a doctor every told you that you have high blood
pressure or hypertension?

1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused

gx342re

Has a doctor ever told you that you have diabetes?

gx343re

In what year were you first diagnosed with diabetes?

gx344re

In order to treat or control your diabetes, are you now
taking medications that you swallow?

gx345re

In order to treat or control your diabetes, are you now using
insulin shots or a pump?

gx346re

Has a doctor every told you that you have high blood sugar?

gx347re

In what year were you first diagnosed with high blood
sugar?

gx348re

Has a doctor ever told you that you have cancer or a
malignant tumor, not including minor skin cancers?

gx349re

In what year was your cancer or malignant tumor, not
including minor skin cancers, diagnosed?

(year)
-1-don’t know
-2-inapprorpriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
(year)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate

1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused

(year)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate

365

gx350ere

Organ or part of graduate’s body first cancer or malignant
tumor occurred. This is only the colon, female breast, or
prostate.

ix085rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have
asthma?

ix089rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have
chronic bronchitis/emphysema?

gx351re

Has a doctor ever told you that you had a heart attack,
coronary heart disease, angina, congestive heart
failure, or other heart problems?

gx352re

Did you have a heart attack or myocardial infarction?

gx353re

In what year did you have your most recent heart attack or
myocardial infarction?

gx354re

gx355re

Have you ever had a special test or treatment of your heart
where tubes were inserted into your veins or arteries—i.e.
cardiac catheterization, coronary angiogram, or
angioplasty?
Have you ever had surgery on your heart?

gx356re

Has a doctor every told you that you had a stroke?

gx357re

In what year did you last have a stroke?

gx358re

Do you still have any remaining health problems because of
your stroke, such as muscle weakness or difficulty speaking?

gx359re

Do you sometimes have pain, stiffness, or swelling in your
joints?

1-malignant neoplasm of
color
2-malignant neoplasm of
female breast
3-malignant neoplasm or
prostate
-2-inappropriate

1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused

1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
(year)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate

1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused

(year)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
1-yes
2-no
-2-inappropriate
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused

366

gx360re

Have you ever had, or has a doctor ever told you that
you have, arthritis or rheumatism?

gx361re

Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental illness?

gx362bre

What was the specific diagnosis of your second mental
illness? These are ICD-9 codes.
How much does your chronic bronchitis/emphysema
currently interfere with what you like to do?

ix090rer

ix142rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have chronic
sinus problems?

ix142are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
chronic sinus problems?

ix143rer

How much do your chronic sinus problems currently
interfere with what you like to do?

ix103rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have
circulation problems?

ix103are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
circulation problems?

ix104rer

How much do your circulation problems currently interfere
with what you like to do?

ix144rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have
fibromyalgia?

1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused

1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
(codes; range: 290-780)
-2-inappropriate
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
(age)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
(age)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused

367

ix144are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
fibromyalgia?

ix145rer

How much does your fibromyalgia currently interfere with
what you like to do?

ix146rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have high
cholesterol?

ix146are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with high
cholesterol?

ix147rer

How much does your high cholesterol currently interfere
with what you like to do?

ix148rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have irritable
bowel syndrome?

ix148are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
irritable bowel syndrome?

ix149rer

How much does your irritable bowel syndrome currently
interfere with what you like to do?

ix105rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have
kidney/bladder problems?

ix105are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
kidney/bladder problems?

(age)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
(age)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-3-refused
(age)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
(age)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused

368

ix106rer

How much do your kidney/bladder problems currently
interfere with what you like to do?

ix111rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have multiple
sclerosis?

ix111are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis?

ix112rer

How much does your multiple sclerosis currently interfere
with what you like to do?

ix150rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have
osteoporosis?

ix150are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
osteoporosis?

ix151rer

How much does your osteoporosis currently interfere with
what you like to do?

ix097rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have serious
back trouble?

ix097are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
serious back trouble?

ix098rer

How much does your serious back trouble currently
interfere with what you like to do?

ix107rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have an ulcer?

1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
(age)
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
(age)
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused
(age)
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-3-refused

369

ix107are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with an
ulcer?

ix018rer

How much does you ulcer currently interfere with what you
like to do?

ix152rer

Has a medical professional ever said that you have prostate
problems?

ix152are

How old were you when you were first diagnosed with
prostate problems?

ix153rer

How much do prostate problems currently interfere with
what you like to do?

ixf08rer

Has your biological father had diabetes/high blood sugar?

ixm08rer

Has your biological mother had diabetes/high blood sugar?

ixb08rer

Have any of your biological brothers had diabetes/high
blood sugar?

ixs08rer

Have any of your biological sisters had diabetes/high blood
sugar?

(age)
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
(age)
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-not at all
2-very little
3-some
4-quite a bit
5-a great deal
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused
1-yes
2-no
-1-don’t know
-2-inappropriate
-3-refused

Panel R5.5. Adult Mortality
Variable

Wording of Question/Description

gw006ifc Cause of Graduate’s death. These are collapsed ICD-9

Scale (if applicable)

-18-unable to code
370

codes.

livgrad

Is the graduate alive as of current release as far as we
know?

deatyr

Year of graduate’s death.

deatmn

Month of graduate’s death.

ndi01

Graduate’s NDI state of death.

-1-don’t know
10-infectious & parasitic
diseases
20-neoplasms
30-endocrine,
nutritional, metabolic,
immunity
40-blood & bloodforming organs
60-nervous system &
sense organs
70-circulatory system
80-respiratory system
90-digestive system
160-symptoms, signs &
ill-defined conditions
170-injury & poisoning
180-E codes
1-yes, respondent is not
known to be deceased
2-no, respondent is
deceased
-9-missing
-4-not ascertained
-2-inappropriate
1957-2011-year of death
-4-not ascertained
-2-inappropriate
1-12-month of death
1-Alabama
2-Alaska
3-Arizona
4-Arkansas
5-California
6-Colorado
7-Conecticut
9-District of Columbia
10-Florida
11-Georgia
12-Hawaii
13-Idaho
14-Illinois
15-Indiana
16-Iowa
17-Kansas
18-Kentucky
371

ndi02

Graduate’s NDI ICD-9/ICD-10 cause of death.

ndi03

Graduate’s NDI ICD-9/ICD-10 selected causes of death
282/358 recodes.

19-Louisiana
21-Maryland
22-Massachusetts
23-Michigan
24-Minnesota
25-Mississippi
26-Missouri
27-Montana
28-Nebraska
29-Nevada
31-New Jersey
32-New Mexico
33-New York
34-North Carolina
35-North Dakota
36-Ohio
37-Oklahoma
38-Oregon
39-Pennsylvania
41-South Carolina
42-South Dakota
43-Tennessee
44-Texas
45-Utah
47-Virginia
48-Washington
49-West Virginia
50-Wisconsin
51-Wyoming
“2396”
“2740”
“4029”
“7100”
“8902”
“C20”
“C259”
“C831”
“L089”
“04100”
“06300”
“093”
“20700”
“27800”
“29800”
“31800”
“32500”
“34200”
372

ndi04

Graduate’s NDI ICD-9/ICD-10 selected causes of death
17/113 recodes.

ndi05

Graduate’s NDI number of entity-axis conditions.

ndi06

Graduate’s NDI 1st entity-axis condition.

ndi07

Graduate’s NDI 2nd entity-axis condition.

ndi08

Graduate’s NDI 3rd entity-axis condition.

“018”
“028”
“034”
“040”
“052”
“071”
“075”
“120”
“670”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
-2-inappropriate
“11038990”
“1134810”
“114510”
“11C300”
“11C950”
“11M009”
“11R042”
“11T864”
“11T983”
-2-inappropriate
“2157280”
“229331”
“22C349”
“3104490”
“3142410”
“3157110”
“31E119”
“31I10”
“31I350”
-2-inappropriate
“2157280”
“229331”
“22C349”
“3104490”
373

ndi09

Graduate’s NDI 4th entity-axis condition.

ndi10

Graduate’s NDI 5th entity-axis condition.

ndi11

Graduate’s NDI 6th entity-axis condition.

ndi12

Graduate’s NDI 7th entity-axis condition.

“3142410”
“3157110”
“31E119”
“31I10”
“31I350”
-2-inapproriate
“3115090”
“32D619”
“41C259”
“41Y832”
“6199471”
“6224490”
“6294901”
“62D738”
“62N390”
-2-inappropriate
“413300”
“6103100”
“6144290”
“6219690”
“63G35”
“63W10”
“64I269”
“64I719”
“64J984”
-2-inappropriate
“248681”
“3419700”
“5120190”
“61I255”
“6219910”
“62K529”
“62N289”
“63X59”
“64Q120”
-2-inappropriate
“615860”
“6170700”
“62N179”
“62N180”
“63I500”
“63J90”
“6436900”
“645660”
“64I069”

374

ndi13

Graduate’s NDI 8th entity-axis condition.

ndi14

Graduate’s NDI 9th entity-axis condition.

ndi15

Graduate’s NDI 10th entity-axis condition.

ndi16

Graduate’s NDI 11th entity-axis condition.

ndi17

Graduate’s NDI 12th entity-axis condition.

ndi18
ndi19
ndi20
ndi21
ndi22
ndi23
ndi24
ndi25
ndi26

Graduate’s NDI 13th entity-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 14th entity-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 15th entity-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 16th entity-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 17th entity-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 18th entity-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 19th entity-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 20th entity-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI number of record-axis conditions.

-2-inappropriate
“62J439”
“6334830”
“63E149”
“63E669”
“63G20”
“63I739”
“6534410”
“65I059”
-2-inappropriate
“3495871”
“3635920”
“5251880”
“6357220”
“6455330”
“6487890”
“64E149”
“64I99”
“64M139”
“67R628”
-2-inappropriate
“617990”
“619241”
“6424490”
“65F171”
“68F179”
-2-inappropriate
“629191”
“66F179”
-2-inappropriate
“6381190”
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
375

8
9
10
11
ndi27

Graduate’s NDI 1st record-axis condition.

ndi28

Graduate’s NDI 2nd record-axis condition.

ndi29

Graduate’s NDI 2nd record-axis condition.

ndi30

Graduate’s NDI 4th record-axis condition.

-2-inappropriate
“19690”
“20280”
“27730”
“27800”
“33300”
“C20”
“C259”
“C831”
“L089”
-2-inappropriate
“20280”
“27800”
“95500”
“97791”
“C20”
“C259”
“I442”
“K922”
“T909”
-2-inappropriate
“56980”
“58290”
“72740”
“95500”
“E112”
“I442”
“I469”
“K922”
“R570”
-2-inappropriate
“57330”
“74550”
“95500”
“95991”
“97791”
“G35”
“I469”
“L089”
“R570”

376

ndi31

Graduate’s NDI 5th record-axis condition.

ndi32

Graduate’s NDI 6th record-axis condition.

ndi33

Graduate’s NDI 7th record-axis condition.

ndi34

Graduate’s NDI 8th record-axis condition.

-2-inappropriate
“57890”
“95500”
“99681”
“I442”
“I469”
“K922”
“M480”
“R570”
“W08”
-2-inappropriate
“42750”
“78720”
“79910”
“95841”
“99661”
“I490”
“K650”
“M519”
“R570”
-2-inappropriate
“51190”
“55330”
“57280”
“57380”
“9120”
“I679”
“R529”
“R570”
“R579”
-2-inappropriate
“51880”
“57890”
“58450”
“79190”
“79910”
“8731”
“9331”
“R579”
“R628”
“W80”
“X04”
“Y832”

377

ndi35

Graduate’s NDI 9th record-axis condition.

ndi36

Graduate’s NDI 10th record-axis condition.

ndi37

Graduate’s NDI 11th record-axis condition.

ndi38
ndi39
ndi40
ndi41
ndi42
ndi43
ndi44
ndi45
ndi46

Graduate’s NDI 12th record-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 13th record-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 14th record-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 15th record-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 16th record-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 17th record-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 18th record-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 19th record-axis condition.
Graduate’s NDI 20th record-axis condition.

-2-inappropriate
“57680”
“5860”
“79910”
“8821”
“99811”
“T818”
-2-inappropriate
“78550”
“9191”
“Y839”
-2-inappropriate
“9241”
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate
-2-inappropriate

Source: Documentation from the following source was used to compile the tables above. Herd,
P., Hauser, R.M., Herd, P., & Sewell, W.H. Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) [graduates,
siblings, and spouses]. 1957-2005 Version 12.27 [machine-readable data file]. Madison, WI:
University of Wisconsin-Madison, WLS [distributor], accessed 2012-07-01.
http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/wlsresearch/, http://www.ssc.wisc.edu/wlsresearch/documentation/.

Notes:
NOTE A. There are several additional variables which may be of interest but which are not
included in the country-specific data file. A description of these variables appears below.
Note A, Panel R2.3. The mailed survey has two versions of the SES ladder, comparing the
respondent to others in the United States and others in the respondent’s community.
Note A, Panel R3.3. To get total height, the feet and inches components must be combined.
There are several questions about how the respondent is feeling in the mailed survey.
Note A, Panel R4.2. There is an additional question in the mailed survey which asks, “Overall in
the last 30 days, how much difficulty did you have with vigorous activities, such as running 2
miles or cycling?”
Note A, Table R5. WLS includes several questions about health symptoms in its questionnaire.
Variables beginning with “ix” come from the mailed survey; variables beginning with “gx” come
from the telephone survey.
Note A, Panel R5.2. The mailed survey has several other functionality questions. Additionally,
WLS collected saliva from respondents which will be used for DNA analyses. This information is
378

only available via the WLS secure server. In version 12.27 which was used in the cross national
data set there are no variables regarding the DNA data.
NOTE B.
The WLS data used in the cross national data set come from the private access data file and last
used version released in spring 2012.

379

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