Showcard Booklet 2025

2025 National Household
Survey on Behavioral
Health

ENGLISH SHOWCARDS

RTI INTERNATIONAL
v.01.25

Website Addresses
NHSBH.................... nhsbh.rti.org
RTI ......................... rti.org
SAMHSA ................. samhsa.gov

Interview Troubleshooting Guide
To suppress a Hard Error involving two questions:
• Read the message box carefully.
–
–
–

If the first question listed is the one to be changed, press [Enter].
If the second question listed is the one to be changed, press the down arrow to
highlight the second question, then press [Enter].
In the rare event that neither question needs to be changed and the data entered
are correct, press [Tab] until the Suppress box is highlighted and press [Enter],
then provide an explanation for why the error was suppressed.

To edit a lengthy response:
•

With the cursor in the answer field, press the Insert key [Insert]. Use the arrow keys to
move to the precise place within the answer field to edit or add to existing text. If
necessary, record additional text in a comment box, by pressing [F8].

To correct range errors:
•

•

•

For numerical questions, read the box carefully, making note of the expected range, if
provided in the message. Press [Enter] to clear the error, then type a new answer
within range.
For pre-coded questions, read the message box carefully, then press [Enter] to clear
the error. Type a new answer that corresponds with a pre-coded answer choice on the
screen.
For multiple choice questions (Code All That Apply), read the message box carefully,
then press [Enter] to clear the error. Type a new answer that corresponds with a
pre-coded answer choice on the screen, pressing the [Space bar] between each
response as needed.

To correct date errors:
•

Review the instructions on the screen to determine the date format for the question.
For “MM-DD-YYYY” format, the date must be entered with a 2-digit month and day and
4-digit year. For “MM-YYYY” format, the date must be entered with a 2-digit month and
4-digit year. Do not enter dashes or spaces—just the number including any leading
zeros for month or day.

If an R needs assistance with an ACASI question, provide the corresponding steps above
for the problem they are having. Take care not to view the screen while assisting the R, to
ensure the confidentiality of their answers. For additional details on entering CAI responses
and troubleshooting error messages, refer to Chapter 5 in your FI Computer Manual.

ADULT RESPONDENTS:
INTRO TO CAI -- INTRODUCTION AND INFORMED CONSENT FOR
INTERVIEW RESPONDENTS AGE 18+
INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND STUDY AS NECESSARY: Hello, I’m ________, and
I’m working on a nationwide study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services. You should have received a letter about this study. (SHOW LEAD
LETTER, IF NECESSARY.)
READ THE BOXED INFORMATION BELOW
BEFORE STARTING EVERY INTERVIEW

This year, we are interviewing about 70,000 people across the nation. You have been
randomly chosen to take part. You will represent over 4,500 other people who are
similar to you. You may choose not to take part in this study, but no one else can take
your place. We will give you $30 when you finish the interview.
GIVE STUDY DESCRIPTION TO R IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO.
This study asks about tobacco, alcohol, and drug use or non-use, knowledge and
attitudes about drugs, mental health, and other health issues. It takes about an hour.
You will answer most of the questions on the computer, so I will not see your answers.
We are only interested in the combined responses from all 70,000 people, not just one
person’s answers. This is why we do not ask for your name and we keep your
answers separate from your address. RTI may contact you to ask a few questions
about the quality of my work. This is why we ask for your phone number and current
address at the end of the interview.
You may consider some of the questions to be sensitive in nature and some questions
may also make you feel certain emotions, such as sadness. For example, the interview
asks questions about criminal history, depression, suicide and other topics. If you
become upset during the interview and wish to speak to a mental health professional
about how you are feeling, I can provide you with a toll-free helpline number.
While the interview has some personal questions, federal law keeps your answers
private. We hope that protecting your privacy will help you to give accurate answers.
You can quit the interview at any time and you can refuse to answer any questions.
If it is all right with you, let’s get started.
(Can we find a private place to complete the interview?)

YOUTH RESPONDENTS:
PARENTAL PERMISSION SCRIPT, PART OF INTRODUCTION AND INFORMED
CONSENT FOR INTERVIEW RESPONDENTS AGE 12-17
A TRANSLATOR CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY PORTION OF THE
PARENTAL PERMISSION AND YOUTH INFORMED CONSENT PROCESS
READ THE SCRIPT BELOW AND OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE
PARENT/GUARDIAN

Your (AGE) year-old child has been selected to be in this study. Your child’s
participation is voluntary. This interview asks about tobacco, alcohol, and drug use
or non-use, knowledge and attitudes about drugs, mental health, and other health
related issues.
Your child may consider some of the questions to be sensitive in nature and some
questions may also make your child feel certain emotions, such as sadness. For
example, the interview asks questions about criminal history, depression, suicide
and other topics. Your child can refuse to answer any questions and can stop the
interview at any time. If your child becomes upset during the interview and wishes
to speak to a mental health professional about how they are feeling, I can provide
you with a toll-free helpline number.
All of your child’s answers will be confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
Since your child will answer most of the questions on the computer, I will never see
the answers, and you are not allowed to see them either. If it is all right with you,
we’ll get started.
(Can we find a private place to complete the interview?)

ONCE PARENTAL PERMISSION HAS BEEN GIVEN, CONFIRM THE
PARENT/GUARDIAN OR ANOTHER ADULT WILL BE PRESENT FOR THE
DURATION OF THE INTERVIEW
THEN, READ THE BOXED INFORMATION ON THE NEXT PAGE BEFORE
STARTING EVERY INTERVIEW WITH A 12-17 YEAR OLD

YOUTH RESPONDENTS:
INTRO TO CAI -- INTRODUCTION AND INFORMED CONSENT FOR
INTERVIEW RESPONDENTS AGE 12-17 (CONTINUED)
READ THE BOXED INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE STARTING EVERY
INTERVIEW WITH A 12-17 YEAR OLD
This year, we are interviewing about 70,000 people across the nation. You have been
randomly chosen to take part. You will represent over 1,000 young people in this
country who are similar to you. You may choose not to take part in this study, but no
one else can take your place. We will give you $30 when you finish the interview.
GIVE STUDY DESCRIPTION TO R IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO.
This study asks about tobacco, alcohol, and drug use or non-use, knowledge and
attitudes about drugs, mental health, and other health issues. It takes about an hour.
You will answer most of the questions on the computer, so I will not see your answers.
Your answers will never be seen by either your parents or your school. We are only
interested in the combined responses from all 70,000 people, not just one person’s
answers. This is why we do not ask for your name and we keep your answers
separate from your address. RTI may contact you to ask a few questions about the
quality of my work. This is why we ask for a phone number and your current address
at the end of the interview.
You may consider some of the questions to be sensitive in nature and some questions
may also make you feel certain emotions, such as sadness. For example, the interview
asks questions about criminal history, depression, suicide and other topics. If you
become upset during the interview and wish to speak to a mental health professional
about how you are feeling, I can provide you with a toll-free helpline number.
While the interview has some personal questions, federal law keeps your answers
private. We hope that protecting your privacy will help you to give accurate answers.
You can quit the interview at any time and you can refuse to answer any questions.
If it is all right with you, let’s get started.

This page intentionally blank.

SHOWCARD 1

1

SEPTEMBER 2001 OR LATER

2

AUGUST 1990 TO AUGUST 2001
(INCLUDING PERSIAN GULF WAR)

3

MAY 1975 TO JULY 1990

4

VIETNAM ERA (MARCH 1961 TO
APRIL 1975)

5

FEBRUARY 1955 TO FEBRUARY 1961

6

KOREAN WAR (JULY 1950 TO
JANUARY 1955)

7

JANUARY 1947 TO JUNE 1950

8

WORLD WAR II (DECEMBER 1941 TO
DECEMBER 1946)

9

NOVEMBER 1941 OR EARLIER

SHOWCARD 2
0

NO SCHOOLING COMPLETED

1

1ST GRADE COMPLETED

2

2ND GRADE COMPLETED

3

3RD GRADE COMPLETED

4

4TH GRADE COMPLETED

5

5TH GRADE COMPLETED

6

6TH GRADE COMPLETED

7

7TH GRADE COMPLETED

8

8TH GRADE COMPLETED

9

9TH GRADE COMPLETED

10 10TH GRADE COMPLETED
11 11TH GRADE COMPLETED
12 REGULAR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
13 12TH GRADE, NO DIPLOMA
14 GED CERTIFICATE OF HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION
15 SOME COLLEGE CREDIT, BUT NO DEGREE
16 ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE (FOR EXAMPLE, AA, AS)
17 BACHELOR’S DEGREE (FOR EXAMPLE, BA, BS)
18 MASTER’S DEGREE (FOR EXAMPLE, MA, MS,
MENG, M. ED, MSW, MBA)
19 DOCTORATE DEGREE (FOR EXAMPLE, PHD, EDD)
20 PROFESSIONAL DEGREE BEYOND A
BACHELOR’S DEGREE (FOR EXAMPLE, MD,
DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

SHOWCARD 3
2

SPOUSE

3

CHILD (INCLUDES STEP, FOSTER, ADOPTIVE)

4

CHILD-IN-LAW

5

SIBLING (INCLUDES HALF, STEP, FOSTER,
ADOPTIVE)

6

SIBLING-IN-LAW

7

PARENT (INCLUDES STEP, FOSTER, ADOPTIVE)

8

PARENT-IN-LAW

9

AUNT OR UNCLE

10 NIECE OR NEPHEW
11 GRANDPARENT
12 GRANDCHILD
13 COUSIN
14 EX-SPOUSE
15 UNMARRIED PARTNER
16 HOUSEMATE OR ROOMMATE
17 TENANT, BOARDER, OR EXCHANGE STUDENT
18 OTHER RELATIVE
19 OTHER NON-RELATIVE

SHOWCARD 4
1

PERSON IN FAMILY WITH HEALTH INSURANCE LOST
JOB OR CHANGED EMPLOYERS

2

LOST MEDICAID OR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
COVERAGE BECAUSE OF NEW JOB OR
INCREASE IN INCOME

3

LOST MEDICAID OR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
COVERAGE FOR SOME OTHER REASON

4

COST IS TOO HIGH / CAN’T AFFORD PREMIUMS

5

BECAME INELIGIBLE BECAUSE OF AGE OR
LEAVING SCHOOL

6

EMPLOYER DOES NOT OFFER COVERAGE, OR
NOT ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE

7

GOT DIVORCED OR SEPARATED FROM PERSON
WITH INSURANCE

8

DEATH OF SPOUSE OR PARENT

9

INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSED COVERAGE

10 DON’T NEED IT
11 RECEIVED MEDICAID OR MEDICAL INSURANCE
ONLY WHILE PREGNANT

SHOWCARD 5

1

COST IS TOO HIGH / CAN’T AFFORD
PREMIUMS

2

EMPLOYER DOES NOT OFFER COVERAGE,
OR NOT ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE

3

INSURANCE COMPANY REFUSED
COVERAGE

4

DON’T NEED IT

SHOWCARD 6

INCOME EARNED AT A JOB OR BUSINESS
RETIREMENT, DISABILITY, OR SURVIVOR
PENSION
UNEMPLOYMENT OR WORKER’S COMPENSATION
VETERAN’S ADMINISTRATION PAYMENTS
CHILD SUPPORT
ALIMONY
INTEREST INCOME
DIVIDENDS FROM STOCKS OR MUTUAL FUNDS
INCOME FROM RENTAL PROPERTIES,
ROYALTIES, ESTATES OR TRUSTS

SHOWCARD 7
1

LESS THAN $1,000

2

$1,000 - $1,999

3

$2,000 - $2,999

4

$3,000 - $3,999

5

$4,000 - $4,999

6

$5,000 - $5,999

7

$6,000 - $6,999

8

$7,000 - $7,999

9

$8,000 - $8,999

10 $9,000 - $9,999
11 $10,000 - $10,999
12 $11,000 - $11,999
13 $12,000 - $12,999
14 $13,000 - $13,999
15 $14,000 - $14,999
16 $15,000 - $15,999
17 $16,000 - $16,999
18 $17,000 - $17,999
19 $18,000 - $18,999
20 $19,000 - $19,999

SHOWCARD 8

21 $20,000 - $24,999
22 $25,000 - $29,999
23 $30,000 - $34,999
24 $35,000 - $39,999
25 $40,000 - $44,999
26 $45,000 - $49,999
27 $50,000 - $74,999
28 $75,000 - $99,999
29 $100,000 - $149,999
30 $150,000 OR MORE

Quick Reference Guide
To open the CAI Manager: press and hold [Windows] [D] (for Desktop), use arrows as
needed to highlight CAI Manager icon, then [Enter]
In the CAI Manager, to:

CLICK (or [Alt] with underlined letter)

Start (or resume/re-start) an interview ....................................................... Start CAI
Cancel the start of an interview .............................................................................. Cancel
Transmit data to RTI ...................................................................... Transmit to RTI, Yes
List the cases by Descending Order (by date, most recent first)................... Descending
List the cases in Ascending Order (by date, oldest first) ................................. Ascending
Hide previous quarters’ interviews .......................................................................... Hide
Exit CAI Manager ...................................................................................... Exit, [Enter]

To begin a CAI Interview:
Enter QuestID from tablet for respondent (check and double-check your entry!), [Enter]

In the Interview, if you need to:
Break off an interview ................................................................................. [Alt] [F], [X]
Enter Don’t Know ....................................................................................................[F3]
Enter Refused ..........................................................................................................[F4]
Return to the first screen........................................................................................[F5]
Return to the first unanswered question ...............................................................[F6]
Enter a comment .....................................................................................................[F8]
Save a comment ............................................................................................... [Alt] [S]
Back up one screen ...................................................................................................[F9]
Replay audio ..........................................................................................................[F10]
Edit a lengthy text field ........................................................................................ [Insert]
Return the focus to the CAI window ............................................................... [Alt] [Tab]

To shut down with keystrokes (from the desktop): [Windows], [Tab] (to highlight icons on the
left side), [down arrow] (to highlight power icon), [Enter], [Enter] again to shut down

After accessing the FI Manual/FI Computer Manual from the Desktop, if you want to:
ADJUST THE VIEW/SIZE OF PAGE: Click the + or - (located in the toolbar above the manual text
towards the middle.) Click + to increase the size gradually and – to decrease.
PAGE THROUGH CHAPTER/SECTION: Use Touchpad to move the scroll bar on the right up and
down as needed to advance through pages.
VIEW SPECIFIC CHAPTER/SECTION: Click Contents to show Bookmarks (along the left side of
screen.) These represent various chapters/sections. Advance to a chapter/section by clicking the
bookmark for that item. Click a bookmark to open the subcategories within.
SEARCH FOR WORD(S)/PHRASE(S): Click the magnifying glass (to the right of Contents) to
display a Search box on the left of screen. Type the word(s) you want to search for and press
Enter. The manual advances to the first occurrence of the search word. To advance to the next
occurrence, press Enter or click the right arrow to the right of the search box. To go back to a
previous occurrence, click the left arrow.
EXIT: Click the “X” in the upper right to close the manual.