TABLE 3—
Blinder-Oaxaca Decomposition of Differences in Preventive Service Use by Income: 2005–2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, United States
| Variable | Routine Checkup in Past Year | Cholesterol Checked in Past 5 Years | Blood Pressure Checked in Past 2 Years | Flu Vaccination in Past Year | Pap Test in Past 3 Years | Mammogram in Past 2 Years | Breast Examination in Past Year | Recommended Colon Cancer Screening |
| Difference between adults ≥ 400% and < 400% of the FPLa | 0.120 | 0.169 | 0.083 | 0.104 | 0.079 | 0.158 | 0.150 | 0.143 |
| Percentage explained | ||||||||
| Difference not attributable to observable characteristics, % | 34 | 30 | 25 | 22 | 54 | 40 | 36 | 49 |
| Difference attributable to observable characteristics, % | 66 | 70 | 75 | 78 | 46 | 60 | 64 | 51 |
| Differences attributable to, % | ||||||||
| Coverageb | 46 | 24 | 45 | 31 | 35 | 40 | 34 | 29 |
| Age | 23 | 35 | 9 | 22 | –23 | –5 | ||
| Age ≥ 50 y | –1 | –3 | ||||||
| Other demographicsc | –7 | –6 | 7 | 9 | –18 | –1 | –1 | 11 |
| Educationd | 15 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 30 | 14 | 26 | 30 |
| Firm size and employment statuse | –8 | –1 | –2 | 1 | 10 | –1 | 3 | –10 |
| Self-reported health statusf | –7 | –5 | –9 | –7 | 6 | 4 | 3 | –7 |
| Preferences or risk behaviorsg | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Region and year | 2 | 0 | 1 | –2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Note. FPL = federal poverty level. Blood pressure check is only available for 2008–2010.
FPL was determined by using the US Department of Health and Human Services poverty thresholds.
Coverage reflects indicators for 6 mutually exclusive coverage categories.
Other demographics included race/ethnicity, gender, citizenship, marital status, and family status.
The individual’s highest level of education.
Employment status reflects individual full-time or part-time employment, the largest firm size represented in the household, and an indicator for no worker in the household.
Self-reported general and mental health status.
Preferences and risk behaviors included indicators for (nearly) always wearing a seatbelt, taking more risks than the average person, and ability to overcome illness without medical care.