Data Cart

Description

YBARMENTAL indicates whether, at any time during the past 12 months, sample adults and sample children needed mental health care or counseling but didn't get it because they couldn't afford it. "Mental health care or counseling" were defined by the survey respondent.

The Field Representative's Manual for 1999-2000 instructed interviewers to "include all types of financial limitations that prevented the person from getting medical services."

YBARMENTAL was one of a series of questions intended to determine if the family's access to health care was restricted because of financial concerns. The survey also collected information about whether, at any time in the past 12 months, sample adults and sample children needed but did not get eyeglasses (YBARGLASS), prescription medicines (YBARMEDS), and dental care, including checkups, (YBARDENTAL).

Comparability

This variable is completely comparable over time.

Available for 1993-1996, NOTMENTAL, which identifies persons who needed mental health care but could not get it at some time during the past 12 months, covers some of the same ground as YBARMENTAL. However, the question wording for YBARMENTAL refers specifically to financial barriers to attaining mental health care. The question wording for NOTMENTAL is more inclusive; non-financial reasons such as being "too busy" or "missed a bus" were also accepted as barriers to attaining mental health care with this variable.

Universe

Availability

• 1997-2010

Weights

• 1997-2010 : SAMPWEIGHT