5014.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 9:10 AM

Abstract #25597

The Impact of Socioeconomic Status, Race, Age, and Health Service Utilization on the Use of Mammography and Pap Smear Test in Elderly Women

Barbara Wells, PhD, HRSA DHHS, East West Towers, Room 9-1A1, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-594-4463, BWells@hrsa.gov

We examined the impact of socioeconomic status, race, age, health status, and health service utilization on the use of mammography and pap smear test in elderly women. Data were extrapolated from the 1998 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). SUDAAN software was used for the NHIS’ multistage sampling design. SUBPOPN option which allows targeting subgroup only (65 years or older females) was applied to prevent compromising the original sampling structure. The outcome variables included (1) never having mammography, (2) never having pap smear, (3) not having mammography for over 3 years, and (4) not having pap smear for over 3 years. Multiple multivariate logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the impact of the investigated variables and interaction effects. Analyses were then stratified by race. Results show that socioeconomic status, race, age affect the use of mammography and pap smear test in older women independently even after adjusting for other relevant factors. Further, unique factors associated with examined outcomes among Black and White older women will be presented.

Learning Objectives: 1. The participants in this session will realize from our results that socioeconomic status, race, age affect the use of mammography and pap smear test in older women independently even after adjusting for other relevant factors. 2. Participants will know unique factors associated with examined outcomes among Black and White older women.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA