Schonberg, Mara A., Leveille, Suzanne G. and Marcantonio, Edward R. (2008) Preventive health care among older women: missed opportunities and poor targeting. The American Journal of Medicine, 121 (11). pp. 974-981. ISSN 0002-9343 (doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2008.05.042)

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Experts recommend that clinicians target mammography and colon cancer screening to individuals with at least 5 years life expectancy. Generally, immunizations and exercise counseling are recommended for all women aged ≥65 years, while Pap smears are generally not encouraged for these women.

METHODS: We used the 2005 National Health Interview Survey to examine receipt of several preventive health measures simultaneously among community dwelling US women aged ≥65 years by age and health status. We used functional status, significant diseases, and perceived health to categorize women into those most likely to be in above-average, average, or below-average health status. We used age and health status to estimate life expectancy.

RESULTS: Of 4683 participants, 25.8% were ≥80 years; 81.8% were non-Hispanic white; 21% were in above-average and 20% were in below-average health status. Receipt of mammography and colon cancer screening decreased with age and was not associated with health status for women aged ≥80 years. Nearly half (49%) of women aged ≥80 years in below-average health received mammography screening, while 19% of women aged 65-79 years in above-average health did not report receiving mammography. Nearly half of women aged 65-79 years (49%) in above-average health did not report receiving colon cancer screening. Pap smear screening was common among older women. Few (34%) reported receiving exercise counseling. Many did not report receiving pneumococcal (43%) or flu vaccinations (40%).

CONCLUSIONS: In our comprehensive review of preventive health measures for older women, we found evidence to suggest a need to improve delivery and targeting of preventive health services.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	[1] This paper was first presented in part at the National Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society, Seattle, Washington, May 4, 2007. [2] The American Journal of Medicine is the official journal of The Association of Professors of Medicine.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	cancer screening, exercise, older women, prevention
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Pre-2014 Departments:	School of Health & Social Care
Related URLs:	Publisher Organisation
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2019 12:14
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/10400

Actions (login required)

View Item