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Degree

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Sociology, 1990.

Abstract

To assess 2-week test-retest reliability and construct validity, 56 FHs and their 46 OPs with hip or knee OA, but without disabling comorbidity, were interviewed. FHs completed DLHs for 4 weeks. FHs were ages 22-84 (X = 56) and 52% were female. Spouses comprised 50% and adult children 41%. The 23 hip and 23 knee OPs were ages 55-86 (X = 69) and predominantly female (72%). Most (89%) were white. Reliability coefficients (r > .80, p <.001) and hierarchical regression analyses (P <.05) indicated the methodology is generally reliable and valid for measuring DL time costs. In particular, higher aggregated DL time costs were related to worse OP functional status (R² Inc =.24); higher individual DL time costs were related to coresiding with OP (R² Inc =.10), lower FH income (R² Inc =.07), and fewer FH competing demands (R² Inc =.06); and more FH perceived emotional strain was related to higher DL time costs (R² Inc =.13). Economic cost data were insufficient for testing. This new methodology will be useful for assessing, more comprehensively and accurately, the costs of hip/knee OA in OPs and the cost benefit and cost effectiveness of total joint arthroplasty. Also, it might be adapted for cost studies with other disabled or chronically ill populations.

Keywords

family costs osteoarthritis

Advisor

Claudia J. Coulton

Pages

287p.

Document number: case1054748702
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1054748702

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