Predictors of older adults' longitudinal dental care use. Ten-year results.

摘要: Our purpose was to identify factors predictive of reported dental care use by elders (65+) over a ten-year period in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Health Care Panel Study began 1974-75 (wave 1) as statewide survey 1625 noninstitutionalized elders. Wave 2 occurred 1976, wave 3 1980, and 4 1985. 540 persons who participated all four waves are the subject this report. remainder either died, entered nursing home, or were lost follow-up. This longitudinal design permits analysis cohort, aging, effects. outcome variables self-reported within two years, more than at 1, 3, 4. excluded because less years had elapsed since previous wave. To use, we used generalization logistic regression model that included random effect term, which accounts for repeated measures being made on same subjects. Covariates dentate status, education, income, sex, martial time. variable "time" served measure aging/period Persons grouped into birth cohorts. Before adjusting other covariates, cohort significantly associated with but not so full multivariate model. Dentate income significant predictors use. explained income. Time significant, indicating no effects period, their net zero.