12 research outputs found
Disability and health status: ethnic differences among women in the United States
STUDY OBJECTIVESâThere are few data describing disability and health status for ethnic groups. The disablement process involves social influences, which may include minority status. Cross sectional data were examined to investigate the relation of ethnicity to disability.âšDESIGNâA stratified random digit dialled sample of women aged 40Â and older. Disability and health status were measured as functional and activity limitations, work disability, and days of poor physical and mental health.âšSETTINGâUnited States.âšPARTICIPANTSâWomen interviewed by telephone included 774Â white, 749Â African-American, 660Â Hispanic, and 739Â Native American women.âšMAIN RESULTSâThe prevalence of disability was higher among minority women when classified by general health status, and the need for personal care assistance. There was a striking excess of work disability: 3.5% of white women compared with 7.1% to 10.3% for minority women. The differences were reduced when adjusted for other risk factors and socioeconomic status. White and minority women reported more similar disability when it was defined by poor mental and physical health days.âšCONCLUSIONSâDisability is correlated with social and demographic characteristics as well as medical diagnoses. Ethnicity also is associated with disability and may be part of a social context for disablement. Future research should concentrate on the temporal sequence of disability. Consistent definitions of disability will facilitate this research.âšâšâšKeywords: women's health; health status; disability; minority group