Socioeconomic differences in hysterectomy: The Wisconsin Longitudinal Study

Objectives. This study evaluated the relative gross and net predictive value of multiple socioeconomic status indicators for the likelihood of undergoing hysterectomy. Methods. Data from a sample of Wisconsin Longitudinal Study women respondents (n = 3326) followed for 35 years were analyzed by means of multivariate logistic regression. Results. Women's own higher occupational status and greater family net worth were significant net predictors of a lower likelihood of hysterectomy. Women's own education was a significant bivariate predictor. Mental ability did not account for the education effect. Conclusions. Higher education's association with a lower rate of hysterectomy is not due to ability, but to the opportunities that more-educated women have for higher-status employment and its health-related benefits. Measures of women's own occupational status should:be: included in future health surveys.