Aging, social capital, and health care utilization in Canada
Authors: Audrey Laporte, Eric Nauenberg, and Leilei Shen
Overview
Abstract (English)
This paper examines relationships between aging, social capital, and healthcare utilization. Cross-sectional data from the 2001 Canadian Community Health Survey and the Canadian Census are used to estimate a two-part model for both GP physicians (visits) and hospitalization (annual nights) focusing on the impact of community- (CSC) and individual-level social capital (ISC). Quantile regressions were also performed for GP visits. CSC is measured using the Petris Social Capital Index (PSCI) based on employment levels in religious and community-based organizations [NAICS 813XX] and ISC is based on self-reported connectedness to community. A higher CSC/lower ISC is associated with a lower propensity for GP visits/higher propensity for hospital utilization among seniors. The part-two (intensity model) results indicated that a one standard deviation increase (0.13%) in the PSCI index leads to an overall 5% decrease in GP visits and an annual offset in Canada of approximately $225 M. The ISC impact was smaller; however, neither measure was significant in the hospital intensity models. ISC mainly impacted the lower quantiles in which there was a positive association with GP utilization, while the impact of CSC was strongest in the middle quantiles. Each form of social capital likely operates through a different mechanism: ISC perhaps serves an enabling role by improving access (e.g. transportation services), while CSC serves to obviate some physician visits that may involve counseling/caring services most important to seniors. Policy implications of these results are discussed herein.
Abstract (French)
Please note that abstracts only appear in the language of the publication and might not have a translation.
Details
Type | Journal article |
---|---|
Author | Audrey Laporte, Eric Nauenberg, and Leilei Shen |
Publication Year | 2008 |
Title | Aging, social capital, and health care utilization in Canada |
Volume | 3 |
Journal Name | Health Economics, Policy and Law |
Number | 4 |
Pages | 393-411 |
Publication Language | English |
- Audrey Laporte
- Audrey Laporte, Eric Nauenberg, and Leilei Shen
- Aging, social capital, and health care utilization in Canada
- Health Economics, Policy and Law
- 3
- 2008
- 4
- 393-411