DISPARITIES AMONG LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM USERS OF MEALS ON WHEELS SERVICES
2024

Disparities in Meals on Wheels Users

Sample size: 35756 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Weaver France, Chubinski Jennifer, Walsh Sarah

Primary Institution: West Virginia University

Hypothesis

This study aims to identify disparities between long-term and short-term users of Meals on Wheels services.

Conclusion

The study found that certain demographics, particularly Black individuals and those on Medicaid, are more likely to be long-term users of Meals on Wheels services.

Supporting Evidence

  • Short-term users of Meals on Wheels are defined as those who report use once, while long-term users report use for 2 or more years.
  • 13.7% of Black individuals are long-term MOW users compared to 8.0% of non-Black individuals.
  • 15.7% of Medicaid recipients are long-term MOW users.

Takeaway

This study looks at how long people use Meals on Wheels and finds that some groups, like Black people and those on Medicaid, use it for a longer time.

Methodology

The study used a fixed effect multinomial logit model to analyze data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study.

Limitations

Further research is needed to determine if prolonged MOW use indicates sustained independence or barriers to additional services.

Participant Demographics

Participants were Medicare enrollees aged 65 and older, with a focus on racial and health characteristics.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4276

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