UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

This report examines important health concerns of nonelderly women (ages 18-64) in California, including their health status, selected health behaviors, health insurance coverage, usual source of care and access to health care. The authors examine how these health measures vary among women by family income and by race/ethnicity, with a focus on women often disproportionately affected by lack of consistent policies that promote health and access to health care. They also look at difference by age group, to examine the changing health care issues and needs of women at different points in their lives. Using data from the 2005 and 2001 California Health Interview Survey, the first section of the report examines women's self-reported health status, activity limitations and health condition prevalence. The second section of the report looks at selected health behaviors -- physical activity level, smoking and alcohol use. The third section covers the current state of health insurance coverage for women, including the characteristics of uninsured women. Finally, the report addresses issues of access to care: where women receive care; their use of safety-net providers; and their use of physician services and preventive screenings.