Publication Abstract

Authors: Lackan NA, Ostir GV, Kuo YF, Freeman JL

Title: The association of marital status and hospice use in the USA.

Journal: Palliat Med 19(2):160-2

Date: 2005 Mar

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Married individuals are more likely to use hospice than unmarried individuals. We examine this association and how it is influenced by gender. METHODS: Medicare beneficiaries dying of cancer were studied. RESULTS: Currently married (OR 1.36 95% C.I. 1.28-1.45) or ever married (OR 1.23 95% C.I. 1.16-1.31) subjects were more likely to use hospice than never married subjects. A significant interaction between marital status and gender (P < .001) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects likely to enroll in hospice are subjects likely to have greater supportive relationships.