Utilization of health-related services by urban and rural elderly in a midwestern state

This paper focuses on the utilization of physicians by a sample of elderly respondents in a midwestern rural state. Data from the random sample stratified by age and geographic location are used. The sample includes 277 respondents aged 60 years and over, who are referred to as the young old (60 to 74 years) and the old old (75 years and older). A theoretical framework (Aday & Andersen, 1974; Andersen, 1978; Andersen & Newman, 1973) provides the basis for the current study wherein predisposing, enabling, and need variables are predictive of use of health-related services. Thirteen variables in the current study explain a total 24 percent of the variance of the dependent variable, contact with physicians. Using a multiple regression procedure for the analysis, findings indicate that need variables account for significant variation in whether or not physicians are utilized for health and illness care. This study provides an expansion and clarification of the factors which lend themselves to understanding health and illness behavior. Recommendations for further research are presented