Trajectories of functional health: the 'long arm' of childhood health and socioeconomic factors.

TitleTrajectories of functional health: the 'long arm' of childhood health and socioeconomic factors.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsHaas, SA
JournalSoc Sci Med
Volume66
Issue4
Pagination849-61
Date Published2008 Feb
ISSN Number0277-9536
Call Numbernewpubs20080229_haas.pdf
KeywordsAged, Child, Female, Health Behavior, Health Status Disparities, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Social Class, Socioeconomic factors
Abstract

Few studies have specifically examined trajectories of functional health status or estimated the extent to which they are influenced by childhood health and socioeconomic conditions. This study examines how circumstances associated with early life may shape the level and progression of functional limitations among adults at or near retirement. Employing data from the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS), it estimates latent growth curve models (LGM) of functional limitation. The results demonstrate that functional health trajectories in old age continue to be shaped by childhood health and socioeconomic circumstances. Poor childhood health and disadvantaged social origins are associated with both more functional limitations at baseline and higher rates of increase over time. This association is net of baseline adult chronic disease and socioeconomic status. While both childhood and adult factors influence the baseline level of functional limitation, only childhood health and socioeconomic status are associated with the rate of change in limitations over time.

DOI10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.11.004
User Guide Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18158208?dopt=Abstract

Endnote Keywords

childhood conditions/Socioeconomic Factors/RETIREMENT/Health Status--ADL limitations

Endnote ID

18730

Alternate JournalSoc Sci Med
Citation Key7210
PubMed ID18158208