National survey data are utilized to delineate areas of confidence among the aged in the medical profession. Four key specifying variables were used in the analysis—race, sex, socioeconomic status, and size of community. Findings indicate that confidence in medical leaders is lowest among that group which in past studies has been found to visit the doctor most often: the elderly of low socioeconomic status. This finding suggests that improvement in the medical care received by the aged could be an important first step in restoring the elderly's confidence in medical leaders.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
EtzioniA.Public views of scientists. Science181: 1123, 1973.
2.
HarrisL.Public confidence in institutions mostly lower. The Harris Survey, Chicago Tribune, September 30, 1974.
3.
SachsD. P.Science and public information. Clinical Research23: 45–52, 1975.
4.
MelmonK. L.Medical science must communicate with society—Truth or consequences. Clinical Research22: 204–211, 1974.
5.
EcksteinJ. W.Public opinion: Effects on medical education and research. J. Lab. Clin. Med.85: 8–14, 1975.
6.
SchilkeJ. F.Improving the image of the physician. JAMA227: 203, 1974.
7.
ApostleD.OderF.Factors that influence the public's view of medical care. JAMA202: 592–598, 1967.
8.
DavisJ. A.National Data Program for the Social Sciences. University of Chicago, Chicago, 1974.
9.
BlasingameJ. F. L.Physicians and the marketplace. JAMA204: 145–148, 1968.
10.
SheatsleyP.Study 367: Health Attitudes and Practices of the American Public. National Opinion Research Center, Chicago, (mimeographed).
11.
ShanasE.The Health of Older People: A Social Survey. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 1962.
12.
KaplanJ.Editorial: The policy of making gerontological policy. The Gerontologist12: 212, 1972.
