The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67381

Andrew D. Day, MSEd, MPH(c), University of North Carolina, School of Public Health, C.B Box 7400, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, (919) 423-1942, andyday@earthlink.net, Carol Golin, MD, Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 725 Airport Road, CB#7590, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7590, Rachel Ruby, MSN, MPH, Garner Internal Medicine, 800 Benson Road, Suite 70, Garner, NC 27529, and Richard Wright, MD, MPH, Community Health Services, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 660 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204.

Men in the U.S. have shorter life expectancies and higher overall mortality rates in the ten leading causes of death than women. Mortality ratios between men and women vary with race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and educational attainment. This suggests that in addition to genetics, social burdens negatively impact men to a greater degree than they do women. It has further been established that men utilize outpatient care less often than do women and that this underutilization may result in a failure to receive necessary primary and preventive services. Inadequate preventive care may be reflected in data showing that men are hospitalized more often overall and once hospitalized have longer lengths of stay, more procedures, and higher hospital charges.

As part of a recently established Men’s Health Initiative at a safety-net healthcare system located in Denver, Colorado, this study follows the utilization patterns of low-income men. Using data available through administrative databases and existing chart reviews, the study seeks to identify differences in how men and women utilize the healthcare system, what differences in services they receive, and what differences in outcomes they may experience as a result. It concludes by investigating factors contributing to male underutilization and suggesting focal points for future interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to identify ways to assess disparities in utilization and outcomes between two populations using available hospital administrative data and will be able to identify policy development options for increasing men’s access to primary and preventive care services.

Keywords: Access to Care, Community-Based Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Community Health Services
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.