O. Carrasquillo et al., Differences in functional status of Hispanic versus non-Hispanic white elders: Data from the medical expenditure panel survey, J AG HEALTH, 12(3), 2000, pp. 342-361
Objectives: Few national studies have focused specifically on the functiona
l status of Hispanic elders. We examined the prevalence of functional limit
ations and disabilities among Hispanic and Black elders compared to non-His
panic Whites. Methods: We analyzed seven measures of functional limitations
, disabilities, and dependencies. Logistic regression was used to examine r
acial and ethnic group differences adjusting for age, gender, and education
. Results: Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics tended to report grea
ter instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) dependencies and cogniti
ve disabilities. Blacks were more likely to have activities of daily living
(ADL) and IADL dependencies and require use of assistive devices compared
to non-Hispanic Whites. Further adjustment for respondent status reduced di
fferences between groups, but these models may overadjust for functional st
atus differences. Discussion: Given the projected growth of minority elders
, policymakers and planners will need to consider race and ethnic different
ials in functional status in determining future medical and social service
needs.