title: Gender Differences in Mobility Device Use Among U.S. Older Adults.
abstract: Research has shown greater mobility limitations among women than men. We aimed to examine (a) gender differences in the use of canes for mobility and (b) what factors contribute to these differences under the frameworks of the disablement model and the Theory of Planned Behavior.
  
  
  
  Using National Health and Aging Trends Study data, we estimated hierarchical logistic regression models to predict the likelihood of cane use among older adults who completed performance-based measures (n = 5,503). We tested the interactions between gender and selected variables to further understand gender difference.
  
  
  
  In unadjusted analysis, 22% of women and 16% of men used canes. In models adjusted in steps for sociodemographics, health, physical impairments, capacity, psychosocial, and social environment factors, women were progressively less likely to use canes, significantly so at the last step. Suppression effect analyses showed the influence of living alone and receiving mobility help variables. Interaction analyses showed that women reporting poor health or balance were less likely to use canes; obese women were more likely.
  
  
  
  Significant gender differences exist in cane use among older community-living adults. Findings suggest that health and function partly account for these differences. Future research is needed to understand social/cultural factors involved.
authors: Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa.
authors: Lindsay J
authors: LJ
authors: Peterson
authors: Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa.
authors: Hongdao
authors: H
authors: Meng
authors: Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa.
authors: Debra
authors: D
authors: Dobbs
authors: Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa.
authors: Kathryn
authors: K
authors: Hyer
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002183:Canes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States; D014600:Utilization Review
keywords: Assistive devices; Disablement; Mobility; Theory of Planned Behavior