How race affects health services use by older women

In this study, we examined the relationships among functional health and its correlates in a sample of 101 low-income, older African American (n = 32), White (n = 37), and Hispanic (n = 32) women residing in the southwestern United States. Statistically significant associations were found among age, education, and income and the functional health variables of physical health, independent health, and psychosocial health. Hispanic women reported higher levels of physical health than White. African American women reported higher levels of both independent and psychosocial health than White women. Through regression analysis, physical health was found to be a significant predictor of the need for and use of health services. Little emphasis has been placed on the functional health needs of older women and race in policy and practice.