Comparability — Austria [top]

In Austria 1992, the original weight inflates to the size of the total population.

Comparability — France [top]

In 1985, the original survey weights account for households, all members of households, and the diarists, including the spouse where relevant. We use this latter weight (pondkc) for the diaries, but analysis of the questionnaire elements not included in the MTUS would require use of the pondn (household weight) or the pondk (all household member weight).

Comparability — Spain [top]

For Spain 2002, there are original weights that are defined in the household and the individual level. The weights for the household (FACTOR) are taking into account the location of the household and the day when the household (as a unit) is answering the diary questionnaire. The personal weights (F) are taking into account the day when the individual is answering the dairy questionnaire. Original household and individual weights must be combined (FACTOR*F) to obtain the personal original weight (OCOMBWT).

Comparability — United Kingdom [top]

In 1987, this survey does not have an original weight and the sample is not a random sample, but a travel-to-work area sample from England and Scotland. The survey team analyzed this data using a weight that balances the age and sex group distribution in relation to the age and sex distribution across the UK. The original SCELI survey sampled people aged 20-60. By the time of the diary survey, these people were aged 20-61. The SCELI survey also interviewed spouses where the main participant was in a couple. The diary survey also interviewed all other people in the household aged 14 and older. Very few people aged less than 20 live in households where all members are aged less than 20 or aged less than 20 and/or aged older than 61. This sample is very close to the actual distribution of people aged 14-19. The people aged 62 and older in this sample are relatively representative of people aged 62 and older who live with people aged 20-61. Older diarists are not representative of people 62+. The OCOMBWT weights for the whole good diary sample, but users should use caution and keep in mind that the people aged 62 and older reflect only a subgroup of older people in the UK.

Comparability — United States [top]

In 1975, the original survey weights reflect wave on wave attrition and the national population census distribution. The original weights were inflated to the population size. The original survey weights also account for the fact that the sample is of individuals and spouses have a differential probability of selection. The original weights treat single main respondents as two people, and the spouse and main respondent as one person each to account for this differential probability of selection.

In ATUS samples for 2003 forward, the original weight inflates to the size of the USA population.