BIOMEDICAL RISK-FACTORS FOR HOSPITAL ADMISSION IN OLDER ADULTS

OBJECTIVES. This study examines the influence of risk factors such as cigarette smoking, blood pressure, serum cholesterol, or chronic illne ss on frequency of hospital admission in a population-based sample. ME THODS. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I Epidemiologic Followup Study for 6,461 adults aged 45 years and olde r were used to assess the influence of risk factors measured by interv iew, physical examination, and laboratory tests on frequency of hospit al admission over a 12- to 16-year follow-up period. Cox proportional hazard regressions were estimated separately for men and women and for ages 45 to 64 years and 65 years and older. SUDAAN software was used to correct for clustering, stratification, unequal weighting, and mult iple observations per respondent. RESULTS. Risk of hospitalization was higher for current but not former smokers (relative risk [RR] = 1.17- 1.34 for different age-sex groups; P < 0.01), higher blood pressure (R R = 1.25-1.28 for ages 45-64; RR = 1.07-1.15 for ages 65 and older; P < 0.01), and lower serum albumin (RR = 1.08-1.14; P < 0.01). Diabetes, lung conditions, heart attack, and ulcer each were associated with hi gher risk in at least three of the four age-sex groups, as was arthrit is among the middle-aged (45-64 years). Serum cholesterol was not asso ciated with hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS. Chronic conditions with high morbidity as well as many factors associated with mortality are assoc iated with a higher frequency of hospitalization.