| Title | Sickness and preventive medical behavior. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2003 |
| Authors | Wu, S |
| Journal | J Health Econ |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pagination | 675-89 |
| Date Published | 2003 Jul |
| ISSN Number | 0167-6296 |
| Call Number | pubs_2003_Wu_SHealthEcon.pdf |
| Keywords | Aged, Anxiety, Breast Self-Examination, Cholesterol, Female, Health Behavior, Health Expenditures, Health Status, Humans, Influenza Vaccines, Male, Mammography, Mass Screening, Middle Aged, Papanicolaou Test, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Preventive Health Services, Primary Prevention, Prostatic Neoplasms, Retirement, Risk Factors, Vaginal Smears |
| Abstract | Using data from two sources, the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), I analyze the relationship between health status and the likelihood of engaging in medical screening and other preventive behavior. The results show that individuals who are in poorer health are more likely to get flu shots and cholesterol checks, but less likely to have mammograms, pap smears, breast examinations and prostate checks. There is some evidence that suggests that psychological factors such as fear and anxiety may be important reasons why sicker people are less likely to get cancer screens. |
| DOI | 10.1016/S0167-6296(03)00042-0 |
| User Guide Notes | |
| Endnote Keywords | Health Status--physical, mental, and emotional/screening/prevention/anxiety |
| Endnote ID | 11032 |
| Alternate Journal | J Health Econ |
| Citation Key | 6855 |
| PubMed ID | 12842321 |
