Sickness and Preventive Medical Behavior

Abstract

Using data from two sources, the Health and Retirement Study and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, I analyze the relationship between health status and the likelihood of engaging in medical screening and other preventive behavior. The results show that individuals who are generally in poorer health are more likely to get flu shots and cholesterol checks, but less likely to have mammograms, pap smears, breast exams and prostate checks. There is some evidence that suggests that psychological factors such as fear and anxiety may be important reasons why sicker people are less likely to get cancer screens.