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. 1997 Sep;87(9):1507–1514. doi: 10.2105/ajph.87.9.1507

Socioeconomic differences in hysterectomy: the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study.

N F Marks 1, D S Shinberg 1
PMCID: PMC1380978  PMID: 9314805

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the relative gross and net predictive value of multiple socioeconomic status indicators for the likelihood of undergoing hysterectomy. METHODS: Data from a sample of Wisconsin Longitudinal Study women respondents (n = 3326) followed for 35 years were analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Women's own higher occupational status and greater family net worth were significant net predictors of a lower likelihood of hysterectomy. Women's own education was a significant bivariate predictor. Mental ability did not account for the education effect. CONCLUSIONS: Higher education's association with a lower rate of hysterectomy is not due to ability, but to the opportunities that more-educated women have for higher-status employment and its health-related benefits. Measures of women's own occupational status should be included in future health surveys.

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Selected References

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