Differences in functional status, health status, and community-based service use between black and white diabetic...

This study examined differences between 280 black and 269 white diabetic elders (n = 549) in functional and health status and use of community-based services. Cox's Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior provided the theoretical framework. Nonparametric analysis of variance, independent groups t-tests, and chi-square statistics were used. There were no significant differences between the groups in health status or ADL difficulty as a measure of functional status. White diabetic elders had significantly more IADL difficulty. Community-based service use was significantly lower among black diabetic elders, but both groups underutilized services. Findings have implications for health care delivery systems, health policy, case management, health outcomes evaluation, and advanced practice.