芦山地震后5年雅安市受灾居民心理健康状况及其相关因素

目的:了解芦山地震后五年雅安市受灾居民的心理健康状况及相关因素。方法:采用整群分层随机抽样的方法,选取雅安市年龄≥15岁受灾居民9000例,采取入户调查方式,于2019年1~5月使用自编受灾居民基本信息调查表、12项一般健康问卷(GHQ-12)评估近期心理健康状况(≥3分为心理健康状况不良)。结果:8876例居民中心理健康状况不良者(GHQ≥3分)613例(6.9%)。Logistics回归分析显示,有工作(OR=0.15,P<0.001)、居住在乡村(OR=0.48,P<0.001)、一般灾区(OR=0.62,P<0.001)、无慢性疾病(OR=0.37,P<0.001)者更不易出现心理健康状况不良,而老年(OR=1.60,P<0.001)、小学及以下受教育程度(OR=2.69,P<0.001),收入≤1万元(OR=4.8,P<0.001)及无配偶(OR=2.02,P<0.001)者更易出现心理健康状况不良。结论:有工作、居住地为乡村、受灾程度为一般灾区、无慢性疾病为芦山地震后五年雅安市受灾居民心理健康状况不良的保护因素,而老年、受教育程度低、收入低以及无配偶为危险因素。     

安徽省城乡社区老年期抑郁症患病率及相关因素

目的:探讨城乡社区老年期抑郁症患病率及相关因素的差异。方法:在安徽省城乡社区老年期抑郁症及痴呆症队列研究的基础上,应用老年精神状况量表(Geriatric Mental State Schedule,GMS)对≥65岁的老年人(n=1757)进行了访谈,抑郁症由与GMS相配套的计算机诊断系统(Automated GeriatricExamination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy,AGECAT)进行诊断。使用标化率进行城乡患病率的比较;运用logistic回归分析影响因素。结果:城市社区667人,农村社区1090人;城乡社区老年期抑郁症标化患病率分别为3.60%(95%CI:1.64%~5.57%)和6.24%(95%CI:4.67%~7.82%);多因素分析结果显示,独居、担心子女、自评生活一般、与朋友交流(每月1次)和负性事件数(≥2件,近两年)是城市社区老人患抑郁症的危险因素[如独居OR(95%CI):8.63(1.76~42.45),均P0.05];担心子女、自评健康一般、有宗教信仰、从不与亲人交流、与邻居交流和负性事件数(≥2件,近两年)是农村社区老人患抑郁症的危险因素[如担心子女OR(95%CI):2.90(1.34~6.27),均P0.05]。结论:农村社区老年期抑郁症患病率高于城市社区;农村社区老人患抑郁症相关因素多于城市社区;担心子女和近两年负性事件发生数量(≥2)是城乡社区老人患抑郁症的共同危险因素。     

北京城乡两社区轻度认知功能障碍发病率调查

目的:调查轻度认知功能障碍的发病率及其人群特别是城乡人群之间的分布特点,探讨轻度认知功能障碍发病的社会人口学及生物学危险因素。方法:根据2004年基线研究资料,对北京西城区和大兴区两个社区1859名≥65岁认知正常老人进行5年后再次调查;通过10/66国际痴呆研究项目组(简称10/66项目组)的全套神经心理学问卷(包括老年精神状况量表及计算机诊断系统,认知测验系统、知情人问卷及社会人口学背景问卷和危险因素问卷等)调查获得资料,运用10/66项目组广义轻度认知功能障碍标准诊断程序对随访对象进行诊断,描述轻度认知功能障碍5年累积发病率,探讨轻度认知功能障碍的社会人口学特点及生物学危险因素。采用5年累积发病率及年平均发病率的计算方法计算轻度认知功能障碍的发病率,采用单因素和多因素Cox回归方法分析轻度认知功能障碍发病的危险因素。结果:193名老人确诊为轻度认知功能障碍新发病例,5年累积发病率为10.38%[95%可信区间(95%CI):9.00%～11.82%],平均年发病率2.17%(95%CI:1.76%～2.30%)。高龄(大于90岁)、居住在农村、脑卒中史、糖尿病史以及肥胖是轻度认知功能障碍的危险因素[危险比值(HR)分别为4.66(95%CI:1.41～15.48);2.54(95%CI:1.72～3.75);3.04(95%CI:1.63～5.68);2.00(95%CI:1.14～3.50)和4.97(95%CI:3.53～7.01)],而有配偶以及较多的体育锻炼是轻度认知功能障碍的保护因素[HR分别为0.55(95%CI:0.40～0.76)和0.34(95%CI:0.14～0.84)]。结论:北京市城乡两社区≥65岁老年人轻度认知功能障碍5年累积发病率为10.38%,年平均发病率为2.17%,与国内外多数研究接近。高龄、居住在农村、脑卒中、糖尿病及肥胖是发病的危险因素;针对轻度认知功能障碍的危险因素进行干预有重要的社会意义和临床价值。     

老年人认知功能状况的相关因素

目的:探讨老年人认知功能状况的相关因素,为干预政策和措施的制定提供依据和参考。方法:使用中国健康与养老追踪调查(CHARLS)2018年全国调查数据,选取年龄≥60岁的老人作为研究对象,最终样本8896例。使用简易精神状态检查量表(MMSE)测量老年人的认知功能,采用logistic回归分析老年人认知功能的相关因素。结果:研究对象整体认知功能平均得分为20分,中位数21分。农村地区(OR=2.26)、女性(OR=1.57)、高龄(80～89岁,OR=2.19)、无偶(OR=1.36)、身体失能(OR=2.05)、有抑郁症状(OR=1.51)、无社交活动(OR=1.42)、无体力活动/锻炼(OR=1.28)、睡眠时间过长(≥10 h/晚,OR=1.64)是与老年人认知功能密切相关的因素(均P<0.001)。结论:人口学因素、社会经济因素、健康因素和健康行为因素均是老年人认知功能状况的相关因素,其中年龄、城乡属性、躯体功能和性别的影响作用较大。     

河北省18岁及以上人群自杀未遂流行病学调查

目的:了解河北省自杀未遂的流行病学特点,分析自杀未遂的相关因素。方法:采用2004年10月至2005年3月河北省精神障碍流调样本,以该样本为多阶段分层整群抽样方法随机抽取≥18岁人群,共24000名,以回龙观医院北京心理危机与干预中心编制的自杀未遂调查表记录自杀未遂情况,用美国《精神障碍诊断和统计手册第四版(DSM-Ⅳ)》对各类精神障碍进行诊断。结果:(1)自杀未遂终生发生率为0.82%(95%CI:0.70～0.94);女性发生率为1.17%(95%CI:1.02～1.32),男性为0.47%(95%CI:0.38～0.56),女性明显高于男性(χ2=30.45,P0.001);城市发生率为0.45%(95%CI:0.36～0.54),农村为0.88%(95%CI:0.75～1.00),农村明显高于城市(χ2=5.26,P0.05)。(2)服毒药及治疗药为自杀的主要方式(78.2%),使用的药物或工具来源主要是放在家里(73.5%),最主要目的是解脱痛苦(73.5%),41.8%的自杀行为属冲动性,自杀未遂者中精神疾病患病率为52.9%。(3)Logistic回归分析显示:自杀未遂的危险因素为女性(OR=2.19,95%CI:1.55～3.09)、小学教育程度(OR=1.88,95%CI:1.34～2.65)、年龄30～39岁(OR=1.66,95%CI:1.19～2.34)、离婚(OR=3.28,95%CI:1.57～6.89)、再婚(OR=4.57,95%CI:2.00～10.46)、精神疾病(OR=8.72,95%CI:6.37～11.95)。结论:加强农药及治疗药的管理、及时发现、治疗精神疾病对自杀未遂的预防具有重要作用,应对自杀未遂人群进行有效干预,防止再次出现自杀行为。     

甘肃省天水市18岁及以上人群精神障碍流行病学调查

目的:了解甘肃省天水市成年人群精神障碍的患病率及分布特点。方法:采用多阶段分层整群抽样方法随机抽取甘肃省天水市≥18岁人群11359人为调查对象,用扩展的一般健康问卷(GHQ-12)进行筛查,将调查对象分为精神障碍高、中、低危险3组,然后用美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册(DSM-IV)轴Ⅰ障碍定式临床检查患者版对3组人群进行诊断检查。将计算出的患病率进行调整并推广至天水230万成年人口。结果:10249人完成调查,调整后精神障碍总的现患率(最近1个月)为17.90%(95%CI为15.72%～20.32%);患病率前三位分别是酒精使用障碍(3.16%)、重性抑郁障碍(2.73%)和未特定焦虑障碍(2.67%)。男性精神障碍总的现患率为15.85%,女性为20.08%;农村为17.33%,城市为20.59%;男女、农村与城市之间精神障碍总的现患率差异无统计学意义[OR(95%CI)分别为0.75(0.52～1.07)和0.81(0.57～1.15)],但酒精使用障碍男性的现患率高于女性(6.00%vs.0.14%,OR=45.59,95%CI:17.98～115.57),农村居民低于城市居民(2.43%vs.6.57%,OR=0.35,95%CI:0.15～0.85)。在有精神障碍的人群中,功能损害程度为中等到严重者占37.10%,但仅8.58%的患者曾经因心理问题在医疗机构就诊,并且仅5.29%曾经就诊于精神科。结论:甘肃省天水市精神障碍的患病率较高。酒精使用障碍和重性抑郁是特别需要关注的问题。     

青海省18岁及以上人群精神障碍流行病学调查

目的:了解青海省成年人群精神障碍的患病率及分布特点。方法:采用多阶段分层整群抽样方法抽取青海省≥18岁人群12001人,用扩展的一般健康问卷(GHQ-12)筛查,将调查对象分为精神障碍高、中、低危险组,然后用美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册(DSM-IV)轴Ⅰ障碍定式临床检查患者版对不同比例的三组人群进行诊断检查。将计算出的患病率调整并推广至青海省370万成年人口。结果:11178人完成了调查。调整后精神障碍总的现患率(最近1个月)为18.04%,95%可信区间(95%CI)为15.99%～20.28%;患病率前三位的分别是酒精使用障碍(12.24%)、广泛性焦虑障碍(1.40%)和心境恶劣障碍(1.13%)。男性精神障碍总的现患率及酒精使用障碍的现患率均明显高于女性[(27.92%vs.7.47%,23.39%vs.0.30%;OR(95%CI)=4.80(3.81～6.05),OR(95%CI)=100.22(35.07～286.38)];农村与城市居民精神障碍总的患病率差异无统计学意义(18.33%vs.17.08%,OR=1.09,95%CI:0.76～1.56)。在有精神障碍的人群中,功能损害程度为中等到严重者占15.48%,但仅2.59%有精神障碍者曾经因心理问题在医疗机构就诊,仅0.94%曾在精神科就诊。结论:青海省酒精使用障碍是特别需要关注的公共卫生问题。     

开滦集团男性乙肝病毒感染人群糖尿病患病率及其影响因素

目的探讨开滦集团乙肝病毒感染人群中糖尿病的相关影响因素。方法采用横断面的研究方法,以2006年至2007年81 110名在开滦集团体检的男性职工中乙肝表面抗原阳性人群为研究对象,描述并比较不同特征人群糖尿病患病率差别并探讨影响糖尿病的因素。结果在参加体检的男性人群中,2 276名乙肝表面抗原阳性[平均年龄为(49.5±11.7)岁],其中糖尿病患者192例,患病率为8.4%。多因素Logistic回归分析发现年龄(40～49岁:OR=2.78,95%CI:1.52～5.09,P0.001;50～59岁:OR=2.66,95%CI:1.46～4.85,P0.001;≥60岁:OR=4.69,95%CI:2.49～8.86,P0.001)、有糖尿病家族史(OR=3.44,95%CI:1.96～6.05,P0.001)、脂肪肝(OR=2.02,95%CI:1.46～2.80,P0.001)、肝硬化(OR=2.25,95%CI:1.02～4.95,P0.05)和高血压(OR=1.76,95%CI:1.27～2.42,P0.001)病史者糖尿病的患病风险增加;而饮酒者糖尿病的患病风险降低(OR=0.71,95%CI:0.51～0.98,P0.01)。结论年龄、糖尿病家族史、脂肪肝、肝硬化和高血压为开滦集团男性乙肝病毒感染者糖尿病的危险因素,应针对高危人采取干预措施预防糖尿病的发生。     

江苏盐城地区留守儿童抑郁状况及相关因素

目的:了解江苏盐城地区留守儿童的抑郁状况及相关的影响因素。方法:采用自制的一般资料问卷及儿童抑郁问卷(Children's Depression Inventory,CDI)对盐城地区3所农村中心小学356名留守儿童进行调查。结果:留守儿童的抑郁检出率为25.6%。Logistic回归分析显示,与父母交流频率为每半年(P0.001,OR=7.321,95%CI=2.876~15.128)、双亲缺失型留守儿童(P=0.021,OR=2.134,95%CI=1.654~6.980)、交流中谈论日常琐事(P=0.006,OR=4.321,95%CI=1.908~9.978)、家庭年收入为0~2000元(P=0.012,OR=3.223,95%CI=2.011~8.830)、5~6年级(P=0.003,OR=8.342,95%CI=2.113~19.232)、11~13岁(P=0.015,OR=5.299,95%CI=1.809~15.098)为留守儿童抑郁发生的危险因子,而交流内容为自我感受(P=0.001,OR=0.342,95%CI=0.190~0.799)、1~2年级(P0.001,OR=0.543,95%CI=0.221~0.879)、7~8岁(P0.001,OR=0.655,95%CI=0.207~0.911)为留守儿童抑郁的抗性因素。结论:盐城地区留守儿童的抑郁发生率较高,危险因素和抗性因素应当给予关注。     

老年人抑郁症状合并躯体疼痛的相关因素

目的:探讨我国老年人抑郁症状合并躯体疼痛的患病情况及相关因素,为改善伴抑郁症状合并躯体疼痛老年人生活质量提供参考依据。方法:基于中国健康与养老追踪调查(China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study,CHARLS)的数据,选取其中所有有抑郁症状[简版流调中心抑郁量表(CESD-10)得分10分]的老年人(年龄≥60岁)2370例,其中有1335例合并躯体疼痛(DP组,主诉至少存在一个部位的躯体疼痛)、1035例未合并躯体疼痛(NDP组)。采用逐步logistic回归分析探讨抑郁症状合并躯体疼痛的相关因素。结果:2370例有抑郁症状的老年人中,合并躯体疼痛的检出率为56.33%。Logistic回归分析结果显示,女性(OR=1.45,95%CI:1.22~1.72)、农村户口(OR=2.32,95%CI:1.83~2.95)、患慢性疾病(OR=2.35,95%CI:1.84~2.99)、健康自评越差(健康自评一般OR值为2.09,95%CI:1.69~2.60;健康自评差OR值为3.33,95%CI:2.64~4.20)是老年人抑郁症状合并躯体疼痛的危险因素;年龄≥75岁(OR=0.72,95%CI:0.57~0.92)是老年人抑郁症状合并躯体疼痛的保护性因素。结论:抑郁症状合并躯体疼痛是我国老年人常见症状之一。女性、年龄大、农村人口、患有其他慢性疾病和健康自评状况较差是抑郁症状合并躯体疼痛的相关因素。     

认知衰弱增加老年人群5年后的跌倒风险

目的探索认知衰弱是否能增加中国老年人群5年后跌倒风险。方法研究数据来源于如皋衰老队列。采用Fried衰弱表型评估衰弱,5项中符合≥3项者定义为衰弱,1～2项者为衰弱前期,均不符合者为强健。采用改良版长谷川痴呆量表(HDS-R)评估认知功能,排除严重认知功能障碍(HDS-R≤10分)后得分最低的四分位数为认知障碍。同时存在认知障碍和衰弱者定义为认知衰弱。应用二元Logistic回归分析衰弱及认知衰弱随访5年后的跌倒风险。结果本研究纳入962例研究对象,基线时平均年龄为(74.7±3.7)岁,女性526人。经过5年随访,134人发生跌倒事件,女性、文盲、非在婚状态跌倒的发生率更高。Logistic回归分析结果显示,基线衰弱者更易发生跌倒(OR=4.360,95%CI=1.955～9.722),认知衰弱者相对强健且非认知障碍者跌倒风险更高(OR=6.000, 95%CI=1.935～18.603)。调整协变量后,认知衰弱较高者5年跌倒风险仍具有统计学意义(OR=6.736,95%CI=1.897～23.922,P<0.01)。结论认知衰弱较衰弱具有更高的5年后跌倒风险,对于评估老年人跌...     

Polymorphisms in LMNA and near a SERPINA gene cluster are associated with cognitive function in older people

A recent genome-wide association (GWA) study of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) identified 15 novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) independent of ApoE. We hypothesised that variants associated with LOAD are also associated with poor cognitive function in elderly populations. We measured additive associations between the five most strongly associated LOAD SNPs and grouped Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Variants were genotyped in respondents (mean age 79 years) from the Oxford Healthy Ageing project (OHAP) and other sites of the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (MRC-CFAS). In adjusted ordinal logistic models, two variants were associated with poorer cognitive function: rs11622883 (OR=1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.28, p=0.040) and rs505058 (OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.02-1.64, p=0.036). These SNPs are close to a SERPINA gene cluster and within LMNA, respectively. The mechanisms underlying the associations with cognitive impairment and LOAD require further elucidation, but both genes are interesting candidates for involvement in age-related cognitive impairment.     

Early postmenopausal hormone therapy may prevent cognitive impairment later in life

OBJECTIVE: Estrogen deficiency has been implicated as a risk factor for cognitive impairment in elderly women, yet the role of hormone therapy (HT) to prevent this event remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of administration of HT for 2 to 3 years in the early postmenopausal years on the risk of cognitive impairment 5 to 15 years later. DESIGN: We followed a group of 343 women who had received HT in randomized, placebo-controlled trials and were reexamined 5, 11, or 15 years after completion of therapy. Of these women, 261 received either HT or placebo for 2 to 3 years during the trials with no further hormone treatment until follow-up, and the remaining 82 women reported either prolonged or current use of HT at reexamination. Outcome of the study was cognitive function assessed by the short Blessed test that includes tests of orientation, concentration, and memory function on a scale of 0 to 28 (score > or =6 indicates cognitive impairment). RESULTS: The mean age of participants at follow-up was 65 +/- 3 years. There was no difference in the mean cognitive scores between ever HT users and never users. For women who received 2 to 3 years of HT, the risk of cognitive impairment (cognitive score > or =6) was decreased by 64% (odds ratio [OR]: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15-0.90; P = 0.03). A similar OR was found in long-term/current HT users. Adjustment for age, alcohol intake, current smoking, and education did not alter the results. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that previous short-term HT administered in the early phase of the menopause may provide a long-term protection against cognitive impairment.     

Association of blood lipids,atherosclerosis and statin use with dementia and cognitive impairment after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTrial and observational evidence is conflicting in terms of the association of blood lipids, atherosclerosis and statin use with dementia and cognitive impairment in the general population. It is uncertain whether the associations occur in stroke patients, who are at known higher risk of cognitive decline. This systematic review was to synthesize the evidence for these associations among stroke patients.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and trial registries were searched. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational cohort studies conducted among patients with stroke and reported on the association of blood lipids, atherosclerosis or statin use with dementia or cognitive impairment. Meta-analysis was conducted separately for crude and maximally adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs).ResultsOf 18,026 records retrieved, 56 studies (one RCT and 55 cohort studies) comprising 38,423 stroke patients were included. For coronary heart disease, the pooled OR of dementia and cognitive impairment was 1.32 (95%CI 1.10–1.58, n = 15 studies, I² = 0%) and 1.23 (95%CI 0.99–1.54, n = 14, I² = 26.9%), respectively. Peripheral artery disease was associated with dementia (OR 3.59, 95%CI 1.47–8.76, n = 2, I² = 0%) and cognitive impairment (OR 2.70, 95%CI 1.09–6.69, n = 1). For carotid stenosis, the pooled OR of dementia and cognitive impairment was 2.67 (95%CI 0.83–8.62, n = 3, I² = 77.9%) and 3.34 (95%CI 0.79–14.1, n = 4, I² = 96.6%), respectively. For post-stroke statin use, the pooled OR of dementia and cognitive impairment was 0.89 (95%CI 0.65–1.21, n = 1) and 0.56 (95%CI 0.46-0.69, n = 3, I² = 0%), respectively. No association was observed for hypercholesterolemia. These results were mostly consistent with adjusted ORs or HRs, which were reported from limited evidence.ConclusionAtherosclerosis was associated with an increased risk of post-stroke dementia. Post-stroke statin use was associated with decreased risk of cognitive impairment. To confirm whether or not statins confer advantages in the post-stroke population in terms of preventing cognitive decline over and above their known effectiveness in reducing risk of further vascular events, further stroke trials including cognitive assessment and observational analyses adjusted for key confounders, focusing on key subgroups or statin use patterns are required.     

Vitamin E levels, cognitive impairment and dementia in older persons: the InCHIANTI study

There is conflicting evidence that antioxidants contribute to maintaining cognitive function in elderly subjects. We investigated whether vitamin E plasma levels are related to the presence of dementia and cognitive impairment in a population-based cohort study conducted in Italy. A total of 1033 participants aged at least 65 years received clinical and neuropsychological examinations, donated blood for vitamin E analysis and had their diets assessed. Participants with plasma vitamin E levels in the bottom tertile had a significantly higher probability of being demented (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-7.1) and also of suffering from cognitive impairment (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.2) compared to those in the highest vitamin E tertile after adjustment for age, gender, education, lipid levels, energy intake, vitamin E intake, and smoking. This study supports the notion that higher vitamin E plasma levels might provide significant protection against cognitive impairment and dementia in elderly subjects.     

Screening for cognitive impairment in older adults attending an eye clinic

PURPOSE: We conducted a cross-sectional study examining potentially modifiable factors associated with cognitive impairments (mild or severe) in older whites, African Americans and Hispanics attending an outpatient eye clinic. METHODS: In-clinic interviews and physical examinations assessed social, demographic and health information from 100 consecutive Hispanic, African-American and white adults aged > or = 55. Our primary outcome was presence of any cognitive impairment (mild or severe) using the St. Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) scale. RESULTS: Of the 100 subjects, 65 screened positive for cognitive impairments on the SLUMS cognitive instrument: 46 with mild cognitive impairment and 19 with severe impairment (possible dementia). African-American and Hispanic adults (nonwhites) were significantly more likely to have cognitive impairment compared to white adults (OR 2.80: 95% CI = 1.05-7.44), independent of age, years of education and systolic blood pressure. Subjects with diabetes also had increased odds of cognitive impairments (OR 3.28, 95% CI = 1.21-8.90) even after adjusting for relevant confounders. There was a nonsignificant trend between visual acuity impairment and cognitive impairment (p = 0.059). CONCLUSIONS: Sixty-five percent of adults aged > or = 55 attending the eye clinic screened positive for cognitive impairments, with higher rates among nonwhites and adults living with diabetes.     

成都、德阳地区地震8个月后老年人抑郁状况及其相关因素

目的:评估汶川地震8个月后,成都、德阳灾区老年人的抑郁状况及其相关因素。方法:按照方便取样原则,利用自编地震后受灾群众基本情况调查表、流调中心抑郁量表调查了成都、德阳两地390名受灾老年人。结果:9.8%的老年人有疑似抑郁症状,30.3%的老年人有抑郁症状。两地老年人的抑郁状况受性别、教育程度、居住地、职业以及地震期间经历的影响。Logistic回归分析表明,与男性、初中教育程度、以前无可怕经历、地震中害怕/无助/恐怖的感觉不强烈的老年人相比,女性(OR=2.03)、小学以下教育程度(OR=2.59)、以前有可怕经历(OR=2.06)、地震中害怕/无助/恐怖的感觉强烈(OR=1.59)的老年人的抑郁状况更严重。结论:成都、德阳地区老年人,在地震8个月后的抑郁状况仍然比较严重。灾后心理干预要特别关注女性、教育程度低、仍从事农业劳动、受灾较重老年人的抑郁状况。     

Predictors of hospital admissions in the elderly: analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study on Aging

Healthcare for the elderly population presents enormous challenges, which are further complicated by ethnicity-related socioeconomic disparities in the United States. We set out to determine the predictors of hospital admissions in the elderly by conducting a retrospective cohort analysis of a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling individuals aged 70 and older in 1984 (n = 7541). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study on Aging revealed that race, health status, type of family relationship, and activities of daily living (ADL) are significant predictors of hospitalization among the elderly. Older blacks are less likely to be admitted into the hospital, compared to their white counterparts (OR 0.68, 95%CI 0.52-0.89). Elderly persons who perceive their health status as being fair or poor are three times as likely to be hospitalized than those who perceived their health status as excellent (OR 2.99, 95%CI 2.15-4.15). Those with impairment in activities of daily living are twice as likely to be confined to the hospital than those without impairment (OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.64-1.96). Elderly persons living with nonrelatives are three times as likely to be admitted for short hospital stays than those living with spouses (OR 2.90, 95%CI 1.44-5.82). Future identification of predictors of hospital admissions in the elderly may help characterize those at risk and perhaps allow for focused and timely intervention.