topic Re: Can't isolate a variable value? in SAS Programming

Can't isolate a variable value?

Beanpot — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 15:36:07 GMT

Hi, I'm working on a project using US Mortality Multiple Cause Files (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data_access/vitalstatsonline.htm#Tools) to look at specific causes of death. When I import the data it seems to work correctly. For example, when I check the frequency of the ICD codes they all show up. However, when I try to check a specific value within the ICD variable I get an error saying the variable is not in the dataset. How can I correct this? Thanks in advance, examples below.

Data step code/import:

Check ICD variable:

Check output:

Check specific value:

Re: Can't isolate a variable value?

PaigeMiller — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 15:39:02 GMT

where ICD='A009';

When you want to refer to a value of a character variable, the value must be in (single or double) quotes. Otherwise, SAS thinks A009 is the name of a variable.

Re: Can't isolate a variable value?

Beanpot — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:23:42 GMT

Ah ha. Thanks! As usual the simple answer is the correct answer.