Differences in need among the rural and urban aged: statistical versus practical significance

Needs assessment data from two states are analyzed to determine if there are differences between rural and urban older persons. Five different definitions of "rural" are utilized. A test of statistical significance is used to determine if differences exist and a measure of association is used to determine how strong the relationships are between residence and need. It is concluded that, with the exception of one rural definition within one state, there are residential differences in need. However, those differences are so small as to have limited practical significance in the public policy arena.