Study Description: Although prior research has found similar ambulatory care rates for rural and urban residents, information is lacking on how care is distributed between preventive and acute care visits. Because adults aged 55 - 64 (the "near elderly") are at elevated risk of chronic disease, inadequate preventive care could have a substantial impact on future morbidity and mortality. This study uses data from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), to compare medical care use by the "near elderly" in rural and urban areas. Bivariate and multivariate techniques are employed to measure ambulatory care, hospital stays, and preventive health screenings.
Principal Findings: The bivariate analyses found that, despite similar rates of ambulatory care between the rural and urban near elderly, preventive care use differed dramatically. Rural women were much more likely not to have had a Pap smear, breast exam or mammogram in the previous year and were twice as likely to have never had a mammogram (21% versus 10%). Similarly, rural men were 25% less likely to have had a prostate exam in the past year and were 70% more likely to have never had a prostate exam. The rural near elderly were also significantly less likely to have had a comprehensive physical, cholesterol test, or dental check up in the previous year. Multivariate analysis will be conducted to determine whether these disparities are attributable to insurance status, education, or other sociodemographic predictors of health care use.
Primary Funding Source: Office of Rural Health Policy, HRSA, DHHS.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to recognize the effect of rural residence on use of preventive health services
Keywords: Access, Rural Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.