USE OF REHABILITATION SERVICES AMONG OLDER CANCER SURVIVORS IN THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND AGING TRENDS STUDY
2024

Rehabilitation Services for Older Cancer Survivors

Sample size: 5811 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Huang Min-Hui, Chung Thomas

Primary Institution: University of Michigan-Flint

Hypothesis

What factors influence rehabilitation usage among older cancer survivors compared to non-cancer older adults?

Conclusion

Older cancer survivors have similar rehabilitation prevalence as non-cancer older adults, but distinct factors influence their rehabilitation usage.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older cancer survivors have higher risks of physical impairments than non-cancer older adults.
  • Rehabilitation prevalence in the past year was similar between older cancer survivors and non-cancer older adults.
  • Pain, higher education, and lower physical function were linked to rehabilitation use in both groups.
  • Older cancer survivors had longer rehabilitation durations compared to non-cancer older adults.
  • A higher percentage of older cancer survivors reported meeting rehabilitation goals compared to non-cancer older adults.

Takeaway

Older people who survived cancer use rehabilitation services just like other older adults, but they have different reasons for needing help.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from the NHATS round 12 dataset using general linear models, Chi-square tests, and t-tests.

Participant Demographics

Community-dwelling adults ≥65 years; OC: N=653, age=78.7±7.33 years; NC: N=5168, age=79.9±7.63 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3921

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