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Avoidable hospitalizations and socio-economic status in Galveston County, Texas
C E Begley1, C H Slater, M J Engel
1School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 77225.
Journal of Community Health
|October 1, 1994
Abstract:
Population-based hospitalization rates for preventable conditions are derived for a low-income population in Galveston County, Texas using discharge data from four area hospitals and demographic data from the U.S. Census. Comparisons are made with similar rates for the general populations of two eastern states (Maryland and Massachusetts) and New York City. Results support the hypothesis that low-income persons lack access to primary care, leading to higher rates of hospitalization for preventable conditions. Alternative explanations for differences found are examined.