To assess black-white differences in disability and morbidity in the last y
ears of life, the authors analyzed data from the National Health Interview
Survey from 1986 to 1994, with mortality follow-up through December 1995. A
baseline household interview was conducted for 10,187 decedents aged 50 ye
ars and over within 2 years before death. Data collected included long-term
limitation of activity, number of chronic conditions, number of bed days,
doctor visits, and days of short hospital stay during the year preceding th
e interview. For both blacks and whites, educational attainment was inverse
ly associated with disability/morbidity indices. Black decedents had greate
r morbidity compared with whites, and this difference was consistent across
educational levels. Adjustment for education reduced the black-white diffe
rence in limitation of activity score by 32%, bed days by 59%, and hospital
stay days by 40%, This study from a national representative US sample indi
cates that black decedents experienced greater disability/morbidity and wor
se quality of life through their last few months or years of life. Educatio
nal attainment was associated with morbidity before death and accounted for
much of the black-white difference.