Table 2.
Distribution of Predisposing and Enabling Access to Care Variables Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older by Race/Ethnicity—1998 National Health Interview Survey
| Hispanics (n=532) | Non-Hispanic Blacks (n=668) | Non-Hispanic Whites (n=4,934) | Total (N=6,134) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % | % | % | % | |
| Environmental/system variables | ||||
| Difficulties obtaining appointments | 2.6 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 3.2 |
| Phone access difficulties | 1.2 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| Long wait at providers | 4.5 | 2.1 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Inconvenient clinic hours | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Transportation problems | 2.4 | 3.1 | 1.7 | 1.8 |
| Need variables | ||||
| Health status | ||||
| Poor | 10.8 | 11.7 | 6.3 | 7.0 |
| Fair | 26.0 | 26.8 | 17.8 | 19.0 |
| Good | 33.0 | 39.1 | 34.0 | 34.4 |
| Excellent/very good | 30.2 | 22.4 | 41.9 | 39.6 |
| Chronic conditions | 37.2 | 44.9 | 41.9 | 41.9 |
| Other covariates | ||||
| Region of residence | ||||
| Midwest | 4.2 | 18.7 | 26.5 | 24.6 |
| South | 39.6 | 58.0 | 33.7 | 36.0 |
| West | 40.2 | 7.9 | 17.6 | 18.0 |
| Northeast | 16.0 | 15.5 | 22.3 | 21.4 |
| Residence in an MSA | 90.2 | 80.7 | 74.9 | 76.3 |
MSA, metropolitan statistical area.