Abstract
Methods
Data were obtained from the Health Update Survey, which contains questions on demographics, comorbid conditions, and the Veterans
RAND 12-item health status/quality of life survey. It was fielded on a random sample of 15,000 adults with an AARP® Medicare Supplement plan, insured by UnitedHealthcare. Respondents were divided into those with hearing impairments and others,
based on their response to a survey question. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to estimate the likelihood
of hearing impairment and its impact on quality of life while controlling for respondent demographics and comorbid conditions.
RAND 12-item health status/quality of life survey. It was fielded on a random sample of 15,000 adults with an AARP® Medicare Supplement plan, insured by UnitedHealthcare. Respondents were divided into those with hearing impairments and others,
based on their response to a survey question. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to estimate the likelihood
of hearing impairment and its impact on quality of life while controlling for respondent demographics and comorbid conditions.
Results
Of the 5,515 eligible respondents, 10.4% reported having hearing impairments. The strongest predictor of hearing impairment
was older age, while those with 4 years of college or more were least likely to have hearing impairments. Those with hearing
impairments averaged significantly lower physical component and mental component scores, exceeding those of numerous other
chronic conditions.
was older age, while those with 4 years of college or more were least likely to have hearing impairments. Those with hearing
impairments averaged significantly lower physical component and mental component scores, exceeding those of numerous other
chronic conditions.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-0028-z
- Authors
- Kevin Hawkins, Advanced Analytics, OptumInsight, 5430 Data Court, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
- Frank G. Bottone, Advanced Analytics, OptumInsight, 5430 Data Court, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
- Ronald J. Ozminkowski, Research and Policy, UnitedHealth Group Alliances, Advanced Analytics, OptumInsight, 5430 Data Court, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
- Shirley Musich, Advanced Analytics, OptumInsight, 5430 Data Court, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
- Ming Bai, Pharmacy Analytic Solutions, OptumInsight, 400 Capital Blvd., Rocky Hill, CT 06067, USA
- Richard J. Migliori, UnitedHealth Group Alliances, 9900 Bren Rd East, Minnetonka, MN 55343, USA
- Charlotte S. Yeh, AARP Services, Inc., 601 E Street N.W., Washington, DC 20049, USA
- Journal Quality of Life Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2649
- Print ISSN 0962-9343