Socioeconomic status and morbidity in the last years of life.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of socioeconomic status, as characterized by level of education, on morbidity and disability in the last years of life. The analysis used data from the National Health Interview Survey (1986-1990), with mortality follow-up through December 1991. Among 10,932 decedents 50 years or older at baseline interview, educational attainment was inversely associated with long-term limitation of activity, number of chronic conditions, number of bed days, and days of short hospital stay during the year preceding the interview. Decedents with higher socioeconomic status experienced lower morbidity and disability and better quality of life even in their last years of life.