title: Correlates of care for young men with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In progressive conditions, such as Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD), the need for care may outpace care use. We examined correlates that contribute to utilization of needed care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Structured interviews were conducted on use of care among 34 young men with DBMD who were born before 1982.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Disease severity, per capita income, and presence of other relatives with DBMD predicted greater use of services. Race/ethnicity, acculturation, and level of caregiver education did not significantly predict service utilization.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We identified disparities in receipt of healthcare and related services in adult men with DBMD that can affect quality of life. Despite the high disease severity identified in this population, these men utilized only half of the services available to individuals with significant progressive conditions. Providers should be aware of low service utilization and focus on awareness and assistance to ensure access to available care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245073, Tucson, Arizona, 85724-5073, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: Melinda F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: F John
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Meaney
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education; D002648:Child; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006266:Health Education / Q000639:trends*; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy; barriers to care; behavioral model; disease severity; healthcare services