County Characteristics and Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Use of Preventive Services

Maureen R Benjamins, University of Texas at Austin
James B. Kirby, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Stephanie A. Bond Huie, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Objectives: This study investigates whether socio-demographic characteristics of counties affect individual use of preventive services. Methods: Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and the Area Resource Files (1996-1998) are used to determine the individual- and county-level predictors of six types of preventive service use among individuals 40 years and older. Results: A greater percent of racial and ethnic minorities in a county is associated with higher utilization, as is the number of doctors. The percent of residents in poverty is associated with lower use of blood pressure screening. Conclusions: Physical and social environments are key determinants of health. Future studies should take into account the racial and ethnic composition of an area, as well as other community-level characteristics, when examining preventive care use.