Physician use among the old-old. Factors affecting variability.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• The 'old-old' (aged 75+) exhibit significant heterogeneity in personal and social characteristics.
• Understanding factors influencing their healthcare utilization is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the direct and indirect influences of personal and social factors on physician use among the old-old.
• To apply Andersen's health-behavior model to this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Path analysis was used to model relationships between variables.
• A sample of 189 noninstitutionalized adults aged 75 and older was analyzed.

Main Results:

• Income and perceived symptom severity directly influenced physician use.
• Education, gender, race, living arrangements, and symptom count indirectly affected physician use.

Conclusions:

• Physician use among the old-old is influenced by a complex interplay of direct and indirect factors.
• Recognizing the heterogeneity of this population is vital for future health behavior research.