Unable to locate derived variable in CCHS 3.1

Question

Smoking Stage of Change (Current and Former Smokers)

Variable name: SCHEDSTG

Modules used: Smoking (SMK), Smoking -- Stages of Change (SCH)

Based on: SMKE_202, SMKE_06A, SMKE_06B, SMKE_09A, SMKE_09B, SMKE_10, SMKE_10A, SMKE_10B,
SCHE_1, SCHE_2, SCHE_3, SCHE_4, ADME_MOI

Product: Master Data File and Public Use Microdata File (PUMF)

Description: This variable classifies current and former smokers into categories based on the stages of change
model.

Reference: DiClemente, C.C., Prochaska, J.O., Fairhurst, S., Velicer, W.F., Rossi J.S., & Velasquez, M. (1991).
The process of smoking cessation: An analysis of precontemplation, contemplation and contemplation/action.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 59, 295-304.

As noted in this documentation it is supposed to be in the PUMF, but I can't locate it in any of the cycles for the 3.1 - was it not included in the PUMF as released?

Answer

Here's what Health told us about the missing variable.

The "Smoking - Stages of Change" module is an optional module, selected in the 3.1 by a single health region: the Yukon Territory. In the PUMF, because the three territories are collapsed to a single geography, the module (hence all SCH module variables including SCHEDSTG) is suppressed. The 3.1 document on DVs is incorrect in stating the data reside in both the master (yes) and PUMF (no). The data dictionaries provide a more accurate picture. Sorry about the confusion.

Back one cycle in time, i.e., CCHS 2.1 (2003), the module had been selected more widely, and the data appear in the corresponding PUMF. A quick way to verify if/where optional content appears is to run a cross tab on HR (health region) geography against the module's selection flag. In the case of this particular module, in the 2.1: SCHCFOPT against GEOCDPMF. This takes 30 seconds using the PUMF's built-in B20/20 browser.