The association of marital status and hospice use in the USA

Abstract

Background: Married individuals are more likely to use hospice than unmarried individuals. We examine this association and how it is influenced by gender. Methods: Medicare beneficiaries dying of cancer were studied. Results: Currently married (OR 1.36 95% C.I. 1.28 1.45) or ever married (OR 1.23 95% C.I. 1.16 1.31) subjects were more likely to use hospice than never married subjects. A significant interaction between marital status and gender (PB .001) was observed. Conclusions: Subjects likely to enroll in hospice are subjects likely to have greater supportive relationships.