Awareness of hospice services: results of a national survey.

The Supplement on Aging to the 1984 National Health Interview Survey contained questions about hospices and the hospice concept. Respondents were asked about their familiarity with and perceived access to hospice services. Nearly 53 percent of respondents aged 55 and older were unfamiliar with the hospice concept. Of those familiar with hospice, only approximately one-half (48.5 percent) reported that it is available if needed. Age was strongly, linearly related to familiarity with hospice; those over 85 were less likely to know of it (76.6 percent). Female respondents were more knowledgeable than men at all ages. Prior history of cancer and higher education levels were also associated with knowledge of hospice.