IPUMS-I: descr: DISINDEP

IPUMS International

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DISINDEP

Independent mobility difficulty

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      class Disindep : public Editor {

public:
  Disindep(VarPointer varInfo) : Editor(varInfo) {}
  void edit() {

    long a = getRecoded();
    switch (dataSet) {
    case dataset_id::jm1991a: {
      if (JM1991A_0416() == 9 && JM1991A_0412() == 9)
        a = 0;
    } break;
    }

    setData(a);
  }
};

Description

DISINDEP indicates whether the respondent had any permanent physical or mental health condition that made it difficult or impossible to be independently mobile. This did not include temporary health problems.

Comparability — Index

GENERAL
Ireland

Jamaica
Puerto Rico

United States

Comparability — General

The variable is comparable across the U.S. and Puerto Rican samples, with only a small change in the age universe over time. The Irish sample identifies mobility difficulties due to a long-lasting condition. The Jamaican and Uruguayan samples, instead, address physical mobility more explicitly.

DISINDEP is distinct from DISLOWR, which indicates absence or lack of function specifically in a lower limb, and DISMOBIL, which records the inability to walk or climb stairs.

Comparability — Ireland [top]

The variable indicates whether a person is unable to go outside the home alone due to a long-lasting condition or difficulty.

Comparability — Jamaica [top]

The variable indicates whether a person is unable to "move about effectively in his surroundings" as the result of a disability. The 2015 sample identified people age 15+ with independent living difficulty while the 2020 sample include people age 5+ with ambulatory difficulty.

Comparability — Puerto Rico [top]

The variable indicates whether the person's mental or physical condition, lasting six months or more, makes it difficult or impossible for the person to go outside the home alone, for example, to shop or visit a doctor's office.

Comparability — United States [top]