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Hospitalization for Prostate Cancer Among the Older Men in the Longitudinal Study on Aging, 1984–1991

^a School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, Missouri

Fredric D. Wolinsky, Saint Louis University School of Public Health, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104-1399 E-mail: wolinsky{at}slu.edu.

Background. Factors associated with being hospitalized with indications of prostate cancer were examined. A secondary analysis of the older men in the Longitudinal Study on Aging (LSOA) used baseline (1984) interview data and Medicare hospital claims for 1984 through 1991.

Methods. The analytic sample consisted of 2254 men who were 70 to 95 years old (mean 75.8 years) at baseline and who were self-respondents to the LSOA. Case-identification involved primary prostate cancer (ICD9-CM code 185) and personal history of prostate cancer (ICD9-CM code V10.46) hospital discharge diagnoses. Multivariable logistic regression techniques were used.

Results. There were 154 cases (6.8%) of prostate cancer, including 109 identified by active diagnostic codes only, 15 identified by personal history codes only, and 30 identified by both. No associations with age, race, or ethnicity were observed. Being hospitalized with indications of prostate cancer was more likely in the presence of a history of cancer at any site, urinary control problems, greater body mass, maximum social interaction, or living in core Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area counties. Men who regularly attended religious services, had not seen a physician for 2 years, and did not feel in control of their health were less likely to have been hospitalized with indications of prostate cancer.

Conclusions. These data suggest that the traditional associations between prostate cancer and age, race, and ethnicity do not apply to being hospitalized with indications of the disease among older men. However, body mass, history and symptoms, personal beliefs, access, and geographic practice patterns are associated with being hospitalized with indications of prostate cancer.

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