SOCIOECONOMIC DIFFERENCES IN HYSTERECTOMY - THE WISCONSIN LONGITUDINAL-STUDY

Objectives. This study evaluated the relative gross and net predictive value of multiple socioeconomic status indicators for the likelihood of undergoing hysterectomy. Methods. Data from a sample of Wisconsin L ongitudinal Study women respondents (n = 3326) followed for 35 years w ere analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression. Results. Wo men's own higher occupational status and greater family net worth were significant net predictors of a lower likelihood of hysterectomy. Wom en's own education was a significant bivariate predictor. Mental abili ty did not account for the education effect. Conclusions. Higher educa tion's association with a lower rate of hysterectomy is not due to abi lity, but to the opportunities that more-educated women have for highe r-status employment and its health-related benefits. Measures of women 's own occupational status should:be: included in future health survey s.