Socioeconomic Status and Hospitalization in the Very Old
Author Information
Author(s): Antonelli-Incalzi Raffaele, Ancona Carla, Forastiere Francesco, Belleudi Valeria, Corsonello Andrea, Perucci Carlo A
Primary Institution: University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
Hypothesis
Does socioeconomic status affect acute hospital admissions among the elderly?
Conclusion
Lower social status and associated comorbidity, more than age per se, are associated with a higher rate of hospitalization in very old patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Age was associated with a marginal increase in the rate of hospitalization.
- The hospitalization rate was inversely related to income in both sexes.
- Higher income was associated with lower comorbidity.
- Similar associations were observed in patients with chronic conditions.
- Lower social status correlates with higher hospitalization rates.
Takeaway
Older people with less money tend to go to the hospital more often than those with more money.
Methodology
The study analyzed hospital admission data for residents in Rome aged 75 or older from 1997 to 2000, focusing on income and comorbidity.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of socioeconomic status due to reliance on area-based income measures.
Limitations
Charlson's index was only available for hospitalized subjects, limiting the assessment of comorbidity's effect on income.
Participant Demographics
Residents of Rome aged 75 or older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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