Health behaviors, service utilization, and access to care among older mothers of color who have children with developmental disabilities

Intellect Dev Disabil. 2008 Aug;46(4):267-80. doi: 10.1352/1934-9556(2008)46[267:HBSUAA]2.0.CO;2.

Abstract

This study examined health behaviors, utilization, and access to care among older Latina and Black American mothers who co-reside with a child with developmental disabilities. Using data from the National Health Interview Survey National Center for Health Statistics (2005a), we compared Latina and Black American caregivers to similar women who did not have caregiving responsibilities. Findings showed that Latina caregivers were more likely to smoke and have insurance; Black American caregivers were less likely to be able to afford medication and mental health care; and both groups were less likely to have seen a doctor in the past year than their noncaregiving counterparts. Findings suggest that service providers should consider developing programs that focus on health for caregivers of color. Furthermore, results suggest that providers should take into account differing trends across ethnicities when designing programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Black People / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child
  • Child Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Developmental Disabilities / ethnology
  • Developmental Disabilities / nursing*
  • Developmental Disabilities / therapy
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Services Accessibility / statistics & numerical data*
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Maternal Age*
  • Maternal Behavior*
  • Mothers / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States