How race affects health services use by older women.
In this study, we examined the relationships among functional health and its correlates in a sample of 101 low-income, older African American (n = 32), White (n = 37), and Hispanic (n = 32) women residing in the southwestern United States. Statistically significant associations were found among age, education, and income and the functional health variables of physical health, independent health, and psychosocial health. Hispanic women reported higher levels of physical health than White. African American women reported higher levels of both independent and psychosocial health than White women. Through regression analysis, physical health was found to be a significant predictor of the need for and use of health services. Little emphasis has been placed on the functional health needs of older women and race in policy and practice.
Gale
B J
BJ
Arizona State University, College of Nursing, Tempe 85287-2602, USA. ATBJG@ASUACAD
Erickson
J R
JR
D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006304:Health Status; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016387:Women's Health