Improving Understanding of Disability Transitions in Surveys
Author Information
Author(s): James N. Laditka, Douglas A. Wolf
Primary Institution: University of South Carolina; Syracuse University
Hypothesis
Adding retrospective disability information to panel surveys will improve estimates of disability processes.
Conclusion
The study found that including retrospective information significantly enhances the accuracy of disability transition estimates in panel surveys.
Supporting Evidence
- Retrospective information led to higher estimates of disability transition probabilities.
- Using retrospective data increased the number of functional status transitions observed.
- Probabilities for becoming disabled were higher when retrospective information was included.
Takeaway
This study shows that asking people about their disabilities since the last survey can help us understand how their health changes over time.
Methodology
The study used data from the National Long Term Care Survey and employed embedded Markov Chain analysis, microsimulation, and the Hausman specification test.
Potential Biases
There may be measurement errors in self-reported disability status.
Limitations
The study did not have retrospective information on the length of spells among nondisabled individuals.
Participant Demographics
About 53.5% of the final sample was female and about 9.8% was nonwhite.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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