Association between obesity and patient-centered measures using the medical expenditure panel survey

Abstract

Patient-centeredness is an important factor in patient health and engagement but its association in patients with obesity is not thoroughly understood. Of 28,854 participants aged ≥60 from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2004-2013, we evaluated four patient-centered domains: patient/provider relationship, shared-decision making, access to care, overall medical care provider rating, and prescription care. Weighted logistic (OR [95% CI]) and linear (β±s.e.; p-value) regression models demonstrated that participants as having obesity reported a marginally higher delay in getting the necessary care than healthy BMI (OR 1.25 [1.01, 1.53]). Older adults with obesity report reduced perceived access to care.

Keywords: Aging; Obesity; Patient-centered outcomes; Quality.