Survey Results

Variable Name: Indicator 1.6: Missed school days (K7Q02)

Survey Items: K7Q02R; AGEYR_CHILD.

Denominator: Children age 6-17 years

Numerator: Number of school days missed during past 12 months due to illness or injury: 0 days; 1-5 days; 6-10 days; 11 or more days

Revisions and Changes: Same as the 2007 and 2003 NSCH; may compare across survey years with special attention to the addition of cell phones in the 2011/12 NSCH sample.

Additional Notes: Responses to K7Q02R (number of school days missed during the past year) are combined into four categories.
Section 7 questions were asked only for children between 6 and 17 years of age.

Treatment of Unknown Values: Unknown values (responses coded as 'refused', 'don't know', or system missing) are not included in the denominator when calculating prevalence estimates and weighted population counts displayed in the data query results table. In nearly every case, the proportion of unknown values is less than 1% and the exclusion of these values does not change the prevalence estimates (%) and only marginally affects the weighted population counts (Weighted Est.). Exceptions are noted in the form of a “Data Alert” at the bottom of a results table.

History and Development: The Maternal and Child Health Bureau leads the development of the NSCH survey and indicators, in collaboration with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and a national technical expert panel. The expert panel includes representatives from other federal agencies, state Title V leaders, family organizations, and child health researchers. Previously validated questions and scales are used when available. Respondents’ cognitive understanding of the survey questions is assessed during the pretest phase and revisions made as required. All final data components are verified by NCHS and DRC/CAHMI staff prior to public release. The samples in 2003 and 2007 were drawn by random digit dial telephone sampling. The 2011/12 survey included the addition of cell phones to the sample. This has implications for the comparability of items between 2007 and 2011/12. More information can be found in the “Learn About the Surveys” section of this website.