The combined effects of body mass index and physical activity on health care expenditures in older, working-age adults in a 2004 nationally representative survey
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the combined effects of body mass index and physical activity on total health care expenditures in a nationally representative population of adults in the US ages 45 to 64 in the 2004 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). This cohort, which represented civilian, noninstitutionalized adults in the US was of particular interest because they had the highest health care expenditures and body mass index (BMI) levels and were the least physically active group among working-age Americans. Further, this cohort exhibited the highest levels of chronic disease problems among working-age Americans. One of the research hypotheses tested in this investigation was based on Grossman's economic model of health. Methods incorporated in this investigation included a wide range of descriptive statistics. In addition, first and second degree logistic regression models were used in the data analysis. Propensity scoring was utilized to control for bias in the regression analyses. The plot of the relationship between health care expenditures and BMI in this cohort differed from those observed in other investigations of the general population, particularly when compared to American adults of all ages. An assertion commonly reported in the literature that physical activity exerts a significant, direct effect on health care expenditures was challenged by the findings of this investigation.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Hyner, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Aging|Public health
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