Socioeconomic differences in hysterectomy: the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the relative gross and net predictive value of multiple socioeconomic status indicators for the likelihood of undergoing hysterectomy.


METHODS
Data from a sample of Wisconsin Longitudinal Study women respondents (n = 3326) followed for 35 years were analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression.


RESULTS
Women's own higher occupational status and greater family net worth were significant net predictors of a lower likelihood of hysterectomy. Women's own education was a significant bivariate predictor. Mental ability did not account for the education effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Higher education's association with a lower rate of hysterectomy is not due to ability, but to the opportunities that more-educated women have for higher-status employment and its health-related benefits. Measures of women's own occupational status should be included in future health surveys.
Marks
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Department of Child and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706, USA.
Shinberg
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D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007182:Income; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014922:Wisconsin