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Abstract #163639

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Meg Ann Traci, PhD¹, Tom Seekins, PhD², Joanne Oreskovich, PhD³, and Susan Cummings³. (1) Rural Institute, The University of Montana, 52 Corbin Hall, Missoula, MT 59812, 406-243-4956, matraci@ruralinstitute.umt.edu, (2) Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities, The University of Montana, 52 Corbin Hall, Missoula, MT 59812, (3) Public Health and Safety Division, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, 1400 Broadway, Room C314A, Helena, MT 59620

To examine the role of transportation in access to health care, we included two state-added items in the 2005 Montana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey that measured of the number of Montanans with a personal doctor or other health care provider, the approximate distance and usual means of transportation to that provider's nearest office. About half (54.4%) of Montanans lived within five miles of their personal doctor or health care provider; another third (32.7%) lived between six and 30 miles, and the remaining eighth (12.8%) lived more than 30 miles away. And while travel distance did not vary by disability status, the primary means of transportation did. Three-quarters (77.5%) of Montanans drove themselves, while 90.4% without disabilities drove themselves; more Montanans with disabilities relied on a friend or family member for a ride than those without disabilities (16.5% vs. 5.8%, mean travel distance = 21.6 and 17.2 miles, respectively); and 3.1% of people with disabilities compared to 0.5% of people without disabilities relied on Medicab, Ride Share, community agency van, public transportation, or a taxi. A similar number of Montanans with and without disabilities (2.9%) walked, bicycled, or used a wheelchair or power scooter as transportation to the doctor. Further results describe travel distance and transportation means as predictors of the health care behaviors of Montanans with and without disabilities. These relationships can inform health care policy changes to improve transportation options for persons with disabilities. The data also provide a baseline for measuring impacts of such policy changes.

Learning Objectives:

• List two items used in a state BRFSS survey measuring distance and transportation means to personal doctor or health care provider.
• Describe importance of transportation for people with and without disabilities for accessing health care.
• Evaluate policies related to transportation and health care.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Disability

Related Web page: http:\\mtdh.ruralinstitute.umt.edu

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

• Slides (pdf) or Handout
• Multimedia recording