Concurrent hearing and visual impairment and morbidity in community-residing adults: the National Health Interview Survey, 1986 to 1996.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between the presence and severity of concurrent hearing and visual impairment (HI+VI) and morbidity.


METHODS
Data for adults 45 years and older were obtained from the National Health Interview Survey, 1986 to 1996 (n = 60,997). Covariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between HI+VI and five morbidity indicators: restricted activity days, bed rest days, doctor visits, hospitalizations and self-rated health.


RESULTS
Associations with morbidity indicators tended to be stronger in adults with HI+VI, and in particular, among adults with more severe HI+VI, relative to adults reporting no impairment. These associations were somewhat stronger in adults 45 to 64 years versus older adults.


CONCLUSIONS
HI+VI is associated with morbidity, although the strength of these associations varies across subgroups. Findings indicate that an increased focus on the provision of hearing and eye care services is required. Insurance coverage for these services should also be pursued by health policy makers.
Lee
David J
DJ
Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016069, Miami, FL 33101, USA.dlee@med.miami.edu
Lam
Byron L
BL
Gómez-Marín
Orlando
O
Zheng
D Diane
DD
Caban
Alberto J
AJ
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data