# TIME USE **URL:** https://forum.ipums.org/c/time-use/19.md [Latest](https://forum.ipums.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.ipums.org/categories.md) --- ## [About the TIME USE category](https://forum.ipums.org/t/about-the-time-use-category/68)
**Author:** [@system](https://forum.ipums.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0
THREE RESOURCES TO STUDY TIME USE. IPUMS Time Use projects provide free individual-level time use data for research purposes. The data extract systems make it easy to create data sets containing time use and other variab… --- ## [Using replicate weights for 2020 with rep weights for other years](https://forum.ipums.org/t/using-replicate-weights-for-2020-with-rep-weights-for-other-years/7113)
**Author:** [@Sanjiv\_Gupta](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Sanjiv_Gupta)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2026, 8:29pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/using-replicate-weights-for-2020-with-rep-weights-for-other-years/7113 "2026-07-06T20:29:25Z")
Continuing the discussion from Using person and replication weights in a pooled 2003-2020 analysis: Hi, this paper doesn’t address the question of replicate weights posed by the OP. What should we do about those, e.g. i… --- ## [MTUS Missing Occupation Codes](https://forum.ipums.org/t/mtus-missing-occupation-codes/7086)
**Author:** [@Ayushi\_Gupta](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Ayushi_Gupta)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2026, 2:14pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/mtus-missing-occupation-codes/7086 "2026-06-06T14:14:23Z")
Hi, I am working on the harmonized MTUS data (version 11) to replicate occupational physical activity for the US as estimated by Time Use and Physical Activity: A Shift Away from Movement across the Globe - PMC. I see … --- ## [Linking children in MTUS to both parents](https://forum.ipums.org/t/linking-children-in-mtus-to-both-parents/6832)
**Author:** [@Hadin\_Sayed](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Hadin_Sayed)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2026, 4:53pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/linking-children-in-mtus-to-both-parents/6832 "2026-05-11T16:53:37Z")
Hello, If I wanted to link children to their parents in the MTUS sample, how can we know for sure that a child is the child of both the reference person (using relrefp) and the partner or spouse of the reference person?… --- ## [Time use categories (how can I get a full 24 hours using categories?)](https://forum.ipums.org/t/time-use-categories-how-can-i-get-a-full-24-hours-using-categories/7054)
**Author:** [@Tres\_Roberts](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Tres_Roberts)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2026, 5:35pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/time-use-categories-how-can-i-get-a-full-24-hours-using-categories/7054 "2026-04-30T17:35:22Z")
I am writing my undergrad thesis on sleeps effect on minutes worked. I am using Ipums categories to make a sort of “diary day” to divide categories. I am using my own created time use variables for this. I am using the … --- ## [Bulgaria 2001 – Education activity codes present in CTUR documentation but not in data](https://forum.ipums.org/t/bulgaria-2001-education-activity-codes-present-in-ctur-documentation-but-not-in-data/7031)
**Author:** [@Hadin\_Sayed](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Hadin_Sayed)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2026, 4:51pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/bulgaria-2001-education-activity-codes-present-in-ctur-documentation-but-not-in-data/7031 "2026-04-20T16:51:50Z")
Hi all, I’m working with a multinational MTUS extract that includes the Bulgaria 2001 sample and have run into what looks like a discrepancy between the CTUR documentation and what’s actually in the data. Hoping someone… --- ## [Eldercare Frequency "Other" Response (ATUS)](https://forum.ipums.org/t/eldercare-frequency-other-response-atus/7036)
**Author:** [@Elise\_Parrish](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Elise_Parrish)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2026, 4:20pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/eldercare-frequency-other-response-atus/7036 "2026-04-13T16:20:04Z")
Hi, I’m wondering if there is any way to get more information about the “Other” category of caregiving frequency in the ATUS eldercare module (ecfreq). The questionnaire language suggests that folks who are included in t… --- ## [Zero work hours among the employed](https://forum.ipums.org/t/zero-work-hours-among-the-employed/7037)
**Author:** [@Halim\_Yoon](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Halim_Yoon)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/zero-work-hours-among-the-employed/7037 "2026-04-13T15:31:12Z")
I am using ATUS data from 2018 to 2024 and found that, among respondents who are currently employed and whose ATUS interview day falls on a non-holiday weekday, about 14% report zero work hours. This proportion is higher… --- ## [Availability of some samples?](https://forum.ipums.org/t/availability-of-some-samples/6973)
**Author:** [@Hadin\_Sayed](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Hadin_Sayed)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 10:43pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/availability-of-some-samples/6973 "2026-02-26T22:43:25Z")
Hi, I recently picked back up a large-scale time use project involving countries with multiple diary respondents. In the samples table (https://www.mtusdata.org/mtus/samples.shtml), I noticed that the UK 2014, Spain 200… --- ## [AGEKID2 in Finland 2009 sample](https://forum.ipums.org/t/agekid2-in-finland-2009-sample/6930)
**Author:** [@Hadin\_Sayed](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Hadin_Sayed)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 2:53pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/agekid2-in-finland-2009-sample/6930 "2026-02-23T14:53:57Z")
Hi all, I just wanted to flag a potential issue I found with “AGEKID2” in the Finland 2009 sample. In some households, AGEKID2 appears to be taking the age of the younger adult (who is clearly a spouse/partner), rather … --- ## [Well-being modules](https://forum.ipums.org/t/well-being-modules/6883)
**Author:** [@Hayoung\_Oh](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Hayoung_Oh)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 10:09pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/well-being-modules/6883 "2025-12-12T22:09:32Z")
Hi there, I’m working with R to run some models using the well-being ATUS modules. My outcomes are the six dimensions of affect, and my predictor is a categorical variable of 1=time spent with partner + friend, 2=time s… --- ## [Is top code for 'EARNWEEK' the same for all years?](https://forum.ipums.org/t/is-top-code-for-earnweek-the-same-for-all-years/6849)
**Author:** [@Sanjiv\_Gupta](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Sanjiv_Gupta)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2025, 7:09pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/is-top-code-for-earnweek-the-same-for-all-years/6849 "2025-12-04T19:09:24Z")
Hi, re: the documentation for EARNWEEK: “2003+: Usual weekly earnings greater than or equal to $2884.61 are assigned a value of $2884.61.” Is this the same top code for all years, regardless of inflation? Thanks much, … --- ## [Topcoding of earnings in ATUS](https://forum.ipums.org/t/topcoding-of-earnings-in-atus/6167)
**Author:** [@Amit\_Lazarus](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Amit_Lazarus)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2025, 5:04pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/topcoding-of-earnings-in-atus/6167 "2025-11-25T17:04:27Z")
Hey IPUMS users, As documented, earning variables are topcoded in ATUS data using a single “cutoff” value throughout all years (for example, earnweek is topcoded at 2884.61 in all data years). The problem is that averag… --- ## [Identifying spouses and other family members in Finnish MTUS Sample 2009](https://forum.ipums.org/t/identifying-spouses-and-other-family-members-in-finnish-mtus-sample-2009/6823)
**Author:** [@Hadin\_Sayed](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Hadin_Sayed)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2025, 10:46pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/identifying-spouses-and-other-family-members-in-finnish-mtus-sample-2009/6823 "2025-11-07T22:46:35Z")
Hello, I was interested in a project combining MTUS data from several countries. Concerning the Finnish Sample (2009), I was curious why it’s not possible to identify people beyond hldid (household level). I’ve seen pap… --- ## [Links to step and bio parents](https://forum.ipums.org/t/links-to-step-and-bio-parents/6778)
**Author:** [@Pilar\_Gonalons-Pons](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Pilar_Gonalons-Pons)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2025, 9:06pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/links-to-step-and-bio-parents/6778 "2025-10-23T21:06:25Z")
Hi! I’m trying to create a variable identifying stepparents. I’m starting with the earlier data 2007-2020 and using pemomtyp/pedadtyp and pelnmom/pelndad. The issue I’m seeing is that many times the person line number … --- ## [Identifying ATUS respondents who are parents](https://forum.ipums.org/t/identifying-atus-respondents-who-are-parents/6768)
**Author:** [@Sanjiv\_Gupta](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Sanjiv_Gupta)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2025, 7:41pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/identifying-atus-respondents-who-are-parents/6768 "2025-09-23T19:41:52Z")
Hi, how do I determine if an ATUS respondent is a parent versus other adult caretaker (e.g. grandparent)? I’m analyzing parents’ time spent on child care activities, and want to make sure to exclude respondents who are r… --- ## [How Friendship is coded](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-friendship-is-coded/6706)
**Author:** [@Hayoung\_Oh](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Hayoung_Oh)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2025, 8:52pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/how-friendship-is-coded/6706 "2025-08-06T20:52:14Z")
Hello! I want to ask a few questions on how friendship is determined by the interviewer. My assumption is that when asked who was present for the activity, friendship is only reported if 1) the person is first described… --- ## [No child present for childcare activities?](https://forum.ipums.org/t/no-child-present-for-childcare-activities/6676)
**Author:** [@Seunghoon\_Lee](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Seunghoon_Lee)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2025, 9:18pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/no-child-present-for-childcare-activities/6676 "2025-07-14T21:18:50Z")
Hello, I was using the RELATEW variable for childcare activities and came up with a confusing case. To be concrete, let’s focus on activity "030101 (Physical care for hh children). I noticed that most of instances invol… --- ## [Date variable: diary date or interview date?](https://forum.ipums.org/t/date-variable-diary-date-or-interview-date/6648)
**Author:** [@Seunghoon\_Lee](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Seunghoon_Lee)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2025, 2:44pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/date-variable-diary-date-or-interview-date/6648 "2025-07-02T14:44:36Z")
Hi, Thanks for providing such a fantastic data platform. I was using the “date” variable and was curious if this date is the interview date or the diary date. The label says “Date of ATUS interview” but the “description… --- ## [Who Records for ATUS](https://forum.ipums.org/t/who-records-for-atus/6620)
**Author:** [@Qianyi\_Lu](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Qianyi_Lu)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2025, 7:26pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/who-records-for-atus/6620 "2025-06-25T19:26:13Z")
Hi IPUMS team, I’m working on the ATUS dataset for a long time, but I recently raised some confusion about who records. Would you mind answering the following clarification questions for me? Is it true that the number… --- ## [Tiktok, Instagram Reels, Youtube Shorts](https://forum.ipums.org/t/tiktok-instagram-reels-youtube-shorts/6587)
**Author:** [@Hayoung\_Oh](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Hayoung_Oh)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2025, 4:20pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/tiktok-instagram-reels-youtube-shorts/6587 "2025-06-11T16:20:41Z")
How would instagram reels/tiktoks/youtube shorts be coded in ATUS? I know that Youtube watching was categorized as “television”, but this wouldn’t apply to other social media platforms, right? --- ## [Time Use Variables Excel Extract](https://forum.ipums.org/t/time-use-variables-excel-extract/6352)
**Author:** [@Seth\_Bose](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Seth_Bose)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2025, 9:36pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/time-use-variables-excel-extract/6352 "2025-02-14T21:36:36Z")
I am attempting to get a time use extract for travel time, and I have the total time of travel per day in my csv file, however, the extract is not giving me the various categories that are available. The description says… --- ## [Why is the respondent not in the labor force](https://forum.ipums.org/t/why-is-the-respondent-not-in-the-labor-force/6220)
**Author:** [@Amit\_Lazarus](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Amit_Lazarus)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2024, 7:06am UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/why-is-the-respondent-not-in-the-labor-force/6220 "2024-12-13T07:06:55Z")
Hey IPUMS forum, While spempstat details whether the spouse of the respondent was retired, disabled or unable to work at the time of ATUS survey, empstat does not offer this information regarding the respondent. Is ther… --- ## [FAMINCOME IN ATUS?](https://forum.ipums.org/t/famincome-in-atus/2649)
**Author:** [@glivingston](https://forum.ipums.org/u/glivingston)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2024, 4:52pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/famincome-in-atus/2649 "2024-12-09T16:52:04Z")
From the online definition, I can’t tell if FAMINCOME in the ATUS is family income or household income–can you clarify which would be the better way to describe it? --- ## [Mismatches after Linking ATUS to CPS Monthly Basic (MIS8)](https://forum.ipums.org/t/mismatches-after-linking-atus-to-cps-monthly-basic-mis8/6222)
**Author:** [@Qianyi\_Lu](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Qianyi_Lu)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2024, 9:14pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/mismatches-after-linking-atus-to-cps-monthly-basic-mis8/6222 "2024-12-03T21:14:35Z")
Hi IPUMS Team, I read the post about merging CPS and ATUS but encountered a huge sample loss while linking them, and I wonder why. My research needs the teleworking variables from CPS (i.e., TELWRKDIFFCVD, TELWRKPAY, T… --- ## [ATUS variable CPS Weekly Earnings Detail](https://forum.ipums.org/t/atus-variable-cps-weekly-earnings-detail/6227)
**Author:** [@John\_Waterhouse](https://forum.ipums.org/u/John_Waterhouse)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2024, 10:01pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/atus-variable-cps-weekly-earnings-detail/6227 "2024-12-02T22:01:30Z")
Hi, I have a question regarding the variable EARNWEEK\_CPS8. I am doing research which uses this variable, but I have recently realized that in the CPS, non-responses for weekly earnings are imputed by the BLS. For the st… --- ## [ATUS components of AHTUS vars; TUS weights](https://forum.ipums.org/t/atus-components-of-ahtus-vars-tus-weights/6169)
**Author:** [@sgdodd](https://forum.ipums.org/u/sgdodd)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2024, 11:02pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/atus-components-of-ahtus-vars-tus-weights/6169 "2024-11-05T23:02:13Z")
Hello, I am trying to look at childcare time use for ATUS 2021; I have been using AHTUS up to the harmonized 2018 data and was hoping to extend to 2021 with ATUS. There is then a question of (1) weights and (2) how the … --- ## ['CLWKR' for spouse/partner?](https://forum.ipums.org/t/clwkr-for-spouse-partner/6059)
**Author:** [@Sanjiv\_Gupta](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Sanjiv_Gupta)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2024, 2:19pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/clwkr-for-spouse-partner/6059 "2024-08-22T14:19:26Z")
Hi, is there an equivalent of ‘CLWKR’ for spouse/partner in ATUS? I’m trying to determine if s/p was self-employed or working at home without pay at time of ATUS, specifically if ‘SPUSUALHRS’ = “hours vary.” Thanks much,… --- ## [Label 47 in yrimmig](https://forum.ipums.org/t/label-47-in-yrimmig/6045)
**Author:** [@Hao-Chun\_Cheng](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Hao-Chun_Cheng)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2024, 7:26pm UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/label-47-in-yrimmig/6045 "2024-08-14T19:26:41Z")
Hello, I noticed there is a label “47” in the variable yrimmig. Does it mean that these respondents immigrated into the US after 2023? Regards, Hao-Chun --- ## [Age of the youngest household child](https://forum.ipums.org/t/age-of-the-youngest-household-child/6042)
**Author:** [@Amit\_Lazarus](https://forum.ipums.org/u/Amit_Lazarus)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2024, 7:14am UTC](https://forum.ipums.org/t/age-of-the-youngest-household-child/6042 "2024-08-14T07:14:00Z")
Hi IPUMS time use community, Using an extract of 2003-2023 ATUS data that includes ATUS respondents and their household members I noticed discrepancies between information derived from the AGE and a lot of the “construc… [Next page](https://forum.ipums.org/c/time-use/19.md?page=1)