Using theory to design needs assessment studies of the elderly

This study illustrated how theory can improve needs assessment studies of the elderly. The behavioral model was used to predict perceived service need, agency awareness and service utilization. The model explained 23% of the variance of perceived service need, 8% of agency awareness and 24% of service utilization. Race, income, barriers to service and living situation were significant predictors of perceived service need. Education, participation in social activities and perceived service need were correlated with agency awareness. The following variables were significant predictors of service utilization: age, race, barriers to service, social activity, health and agency awareness. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. Ail rights reserved.