Racial disparities in the use of physical restraints in U.s. nursing homes

The use of physical restraints in nursing homes among black and white residents was examined on the basis of data from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey to determine if black residents were more susceptible to the use of physical restraints. Odds ratios acquired through logistic regression are provided with 95 percent confidence intervals. Findings revealed that black residents are more likely than white residents to be restrained with bed rails, side rails, and trunk restraints. Findings suggest that racial disparities exist in the use of physical restraints. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.