Content Analysis of Questions Regarding Disabilities in the 65 Years and Older Population in the Census 2000, the Puerto Rico Community Survey 2006 and the Puerto Rican Elderly Health Conditions 2003

Miguel A Cortés-Santiago, University of Puerto Rico
Roberto R Marrero-Cases, University of Puerto Rico
Jonathan Jorge Morales-Gonzalez, University of Puerto Rico
Ana Luisa Davila, University of Puerto Rico
Marta Bustillo, University of Puerto Rico

This investigation analyzes discrepancies in results from 2000 U.S. Census, 2006 Puerto Rico Community Survey, and 2003 PREHCO concerning disability with regard to sex, poverty level and education in the 65 years and older population of Puerto Rico. This research is of a descriptive nature. In completing this task, the public use microdata sample “PUMS” from the 2000 U.S. Census and 2006 PRCS was used, as well as the PREHCO projects’ data base. Census 2000 indicates that 44% of the 65 years and older population were under the poverty level and 59% has at least one disability. According to the PRCS 43.1% of the population of the 65 years or more, were under the poverty level. PREHCO data reveals that 37.5% had at least one disability and 52.4% lived under the poverty level. Differences are expected to be found across surveys. A content analysis should help in clarifying discrepancies observed.