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Secondary morbidity among the recently bereaved
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Bereaved individuals showed slightly higher physician visit rates but lower hospitalization rates compared to national norms. Previous health issues and marital status were key factors influencing health outcomes after loss.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Psychosocial Medicine
Background:
- Growing interest in the health impacts of bereavement.
- Need for data on healthcare utilization and morbidity among the bereaved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze medical care use and short-term morbidity in a large sample of bereaved individuals.
- To identify predictors of health outcomes following bereavement.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of National Hospice Study bereavement interview data.
- Comparison of bereaved subjects' healthcare use with age- and sex-adjusted national norms.
- Multivariate regression analyses to determine predictor variables.
Main Results:
- Physician visit rates were slightly elevated in the recently bereaved.
- Hospitalization rates were lower among the recently bereaved compared to norms.
- Pre-existing health conditions and being married to the deceased strongly predicted morbidity and healthcare use.
Conclusions:
- Bereavement may influence healthcare-seeking behavior and health status.
- Identifying high-risk individuals (e.g., those with prior health problems) is crucial for targeted support.
- Marital status is a significant factor in the health consequences of bereavement.