Liao Y, McGee DL, Kaufman JS, Cao G, Cooper RS. Socioeconomic status and morbidity in the last years of life.
Am J Public Health 1999;
89:569-72. [PMID:
10191805 PMCID:
PMC1508870 DOI:
10.2105/ajph.89.4.569]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study evaluated the effect of socioeconomic status, as characterized by level of education, on morbidity and disability in the last years of life.
METHODS
The analysis used data from the National Health Interview Survey (1986-1990), with mortality follow-up through December 1991.
RESULTS
Among 10,932 decedents 50 years or older at baseline interview, educational attainment was inversely associated with long-term limitation of activity, number of chronic conditions, number of bed days, and days of short hospital stay during the year preceding the interview.
CONCLUSIONS
Decedents with higher socioeconomic status experienced lower morbidity and disability and better quality of life even in their last years of life.
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