Description

For all current and institutionalized persons, LMTSOCRD indicates if the person is limited in participating in social, recreational, or family activities because of an impairment or a physical or mental health problem. 'Limited activity participation' means the person is unable to do an activity for as long or in the same way as they did prior to the impairment or health problem, but they are still able to do it to some extent.

Examples of impairment given in the Field Interviewer's instructions include missing limbs, fingers, or other body parts; partial paralysis from an early case of polio, accident, or war wound; stiff joints, deformed fingers or other physical evidence of arthritis; and vision or hearing loss.

Collection frequency and timing for LMTSOCRD change over time. In 1996, the question for LMTSOCRD was asked in round 1. From 1997-2016 the question was asked in rounds 1, 3, and 5. In 2020 and 2021 this variable was collected multiple times across the panels extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2017-2019 and 2022 forward, these questions were only asked once per year and those responses are recorded in the annual-level variable LMTSOC.

LMTSOCRD is one of a series of variables about limitations and disability available in IPUMS MEPS. A complete list of these variables can be found in the description for ANYLMT.

Comparability

Aside from changes in universe, this variable is comparable over time.

Universe

Availability

• 1996-2016, 2020-2021

Weights

• 1996-2016, 2020-2021 : PERWEIGHT

Flags