Culbert, Jeana Organ2009-09-162011-08-242009-09-162011-08-242009-09-16January 20http://hdl.handle.net/10106/1660As the population of older Americans increases, the utilization of nursing homes is an area of concern. The purpose of this study is to identify factors which influence the nursing home utilization of older African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Caucasians. This study will focus on selected variables such as caregiver type, relative caregiver race, long-term care insurance and out-of-pocket nursing home expenditures. The study will use a longitudinal, non-experimental approach, guided by a comprehensive literature review and the theoretical application to the Behavioral Model of Health Service Use.ENPh.D.