Elderly health disparities on the U.S.-México border

Abstract

The Ageless Health Needs Assessment is a multi-phase project designed to assess the health and quality of life of the 60 and older population along the U.S.-México border. The present study used a health survey, which was administered to 1,450 participants by telephone and through face-to-face interviews in Western Texas and Southern New Mexico. Several demographic differences were found between the samples: 52% of the Texas sample was Hispanic compared to 23% of the New Mexico sample; 63% of the Texas sample was born in the U.S. compared to 92% of the New Mexico sample; and Texans reported less education and lower incomes than New Mexicans. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four health-related factors, which were labeled Physical Health, Emotional Health, General Health, and Activity Potential. A MANCOVA showed significant differences between groups after controlling for socioeconomic status and age.