Article
Psychosocial distress and perceived health status among elderly users of a health maintenance organization.
The Journals of Gerontology
(1989)
Abstract
A variety of measures was used to assess the relationship of psychosocial distress and perceived health status among 1,034 older (65+) members of an HMO. Distress was measured by recent life events, four types of social strain, and the CES-D, a measure of depression/demoralization. The distributions of these measures and perceived health status indicate that this sample was relatively healthy and undistressed. The strength of the associations within each group of variables is significant but generally modest. Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis with demographic variables, social support, and religiosity as controls, the strongest associations are between health status and the CES-D, life events, financial strain, and the strain of being single (unmarried respondents only).
Keywords
- demography,
- depressive disorders,
- health maintenance organizations,
- health status,
- single person,
- social support,
- older adult,
- demoralization
Disciplines
Publication Date
September 1, 1989
DOI
10.1093/GERONJ/44.5.P154
Citation Information
Michael S. Goldstein and Margo-Lea Hurwicz. "Psychosocial distress and perceived health status among elderly users of a health maintenance organization." The Journals of Gerontology Vol. 44 Iss. 5 (1989) p. 154 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/margo-hurwicz/25/