Keywords

health service use, immigrants, older persons, Russians

 

Authors

  1. Aroian, Karen J. PhD, RN
  2. Vander Wal, Jillon S. PhD

Abstract

Health service use was compared in Russian immigrant (n = 105) and White nonimmigrant (n = 101) older persons. Study participants completed a health utilization questionnaire, the Short-Form-36 Health Survey, and a health behavior diary. Controlling for health status and demographic variables, Russians reported significantly more service use, fewer physical access problems, and lower appointment availability, but nonimmigrants reported significantly more provider problems. Significant predictors of service use for the total sample included symptom self-care, health status, and age. In group-specific analyses, health status and age were significant for both groups and education was also significant for Russians.