Health Care, Health and Illness Behavior of Rural Families in Fifteen Communities.

摘要

The findings of a study of 1,044 randomly selected families in 15 rural communities in Maine are presented. Household interviews relating to health information on all members of the family were conducted with one of its adult members, while the main questionnaire was administered to everyone. Overall, the data substantiate that the poor are afflicted with more illness than the rest of the population and show in addition that there is a higher incidence of restricted work activities here due to physical and mental conditions among lower socioeconomic families. The findings also show a positive relationship between socioeconomic status and the use of the selected health services. In regard to child health care, the data show that children from high status families are most likely to have had inoculations and regular x-rays and are most likely to have seen a dentist for preventive rather than symptomatic care. Appendix A provides supplementary tables of respondent status and behavior. Appendix B presents statistical information on the distribution of selected medical resources in Maine. The questionnaire used in the study is shown in Appendix C.