Table 1 – Characteristics of the Health Interview Surveys, Belgium, 2008 and 2013 and National Household Sample Survey, Brazil, 2008
Characteristic | Belgium | Brazil | |
|---|---|---|---|
Survey year | 2008 | 2013 | 2008 |
Sample size | 11,254 | 10,829 | 391,868 |
Respondents aged ≥65 years with complete data | 2503 | 2018 | 28,437 |
Response rate | 55% | 57% | 95% |
Sampling frame | National Population Register | 2000 census | |
Sampling design | Multistage with stratification (regions and provinces), and clustering (municipality and household) | Multistage with simple random sampling (self-representative municipalities), stratification (non-representative municipalities and census tracts), and clustering (households) | |
Target population | Belgian population, including individuals living in nursing homes or homes for the elderly | Brazilian population | |
Excluded subgroups | Homeless and illegal immigrants not included in the sampling frame and individuals living in prisons or religious communities with more than 8 residents | Military bases, prisons, homes for the elderly, homes for the children, monasteries, and hospitals | |
Proxy interview | Mandatory for individuals aged <15Â years; allowed for individuals with severe mental or physical conditions not able to respond to the interview and individuals who refused to participate, but allowed proxy answers | Allowed | |
Question for chronic conditions | During the past 12Â months, have you had any of the following diseases or conditions? | Has a doctor or health professional said that you have (disease/condition)? | |
Question for ADL limitations | Do you usually have difficulty in doing any of these activities by yourself? (Activities included in this analysis: feeding yourself, bathing or showering, and using toilets) | In general, because of a health problem, do you have difficulty to eat, take a shower, or go to the toilet? | |
Response options for ADL limitations questions | 1. No difficulty 2. Yes, some difficulty 3. Yes, a lot of difficulty 4. I can’t achieve it by myself | 1. Unable 2. A lot of difficulty 3. Some difficulty 4. No difficulty | |
Interview method for ADL limitations and chronic condition questions | Face-to-face interview | Face-to-face interview | |