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Influence of usual source of care on differences by race/ethnicity in receipt of preventive services

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We examined the relation between race/ethnicity and receipt of preventive services and the effect of having a usual source of care (USOC) on receipt of preventive services in different racial and ethnic groups.

DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS: We analyzed data from adults, aged 18 to 64 years in the Household Component of the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationally representative survey of health care use for the United States.

MEASUREMENTS: The proportion of adults who received age-appropriate preventive services.

RESULTS: Compared to white respondents, Hispanics were less likely to receive breast exams and blood pressure and cholesterol screening than were white respondents, and blacks were more likely to report receiving a Pap smear. Despite being less likely to report having a USOC, black and Hispanic women were as likely or more likely to report receiving breast and cervical cancer screening, after controlling for having a USOC and other factors. Hispanics reported receiving blood pressure screening less often, and blacks reported receiving more cholesterol screening. For each race/ethnicity group, having a USOC was associated with receiving preventive services. However, controlling for USOC and other confounders attenuated, but did not eliminate, differences by race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSION: The differences by race in receipt of preventive services suggest the need for different starting points for devising strategies to address racial differences in disease outcomes. While having a USOC will be important in narrowing the differences by race in receipt of preventive services, attending to other factors that contribute to disparities in health will also be essential.

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Correspondence to Giselle Corbie-Smith MD, MSc.

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This work was supported by a Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (K01 HL04039).

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Corbie-Smith, G., Flagg, E.W., Doyle, J.P. et al. Influence of usual source of care on differences by race/ethnicity in receipt of preventive services. J GEN INTERN MED 17, 458–464 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2002.10733.x

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