Correlates of care for young men with duchenne and becker muscular dystrophy

Jennifer G. Andrews, Melinda F. Davis, F. John Meaney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: In progressive conditions, such as Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD), the need for care may outpace care use. We examined correlates that contribute to utilization of needed care. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted on use of care among 34 young men with DBMD who were born before 1982. Results: Disease severity, per capita income, and presence of other relatives with DBMD predicted greater use of services. Race/ethnicity, acculturation, and level of caregiver education did not significantly predict service utilization. Conclusions: We identified disparities in receipt of healthcare and related services in adult men with DBMD that can affect quality of life. Despite the high disease severity identified in this population, these men utilized only half of the services available to individuals with significant progressive conditions. Providers should be aware of low service utilization and focus on awareness and assistance to ensure access to available care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)21-25
Number of pages5
JournalMuscle and Nerve
Volume49
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • Barriers to care
  • Behavioral model
  • Disease severity
  • Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy
  • Healthcare services

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Physiology (medical)

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