In an effort to improve disability surveillance in Colorado, the Quality of Life module, with state-added disability questions, was added to The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). These questions identify people with disabilities and assess their limitations, secondary conditions and quality of life. The survey was administered via telephone to a population-based sample of over 2,200 state residents in 1999. Preliminary analyses of this data reveal that approximately 25% of persons surveyed indicate some type of disability (defined as: 1) limited in any way in any activity; 2) limited in kind or amount of work; 3) because of limitation, have trouble learning, remembering or concentrating; and/or 4) use special equipment or help from others to get around). Of those with disabilities, 24% are defined as severe (i.e., needing some type of assistance). The most frequently reported impairments are those associated with musculo-skeletal conditions (e.g. bone and joint, neck and back, and arthritis). Comparison of demographic characteristics between persons with disabilities and those without, reveal that those with disabilities tended to be older, less educated, single, not employed, and had a lower household income. Further comparisons regarding quality of life, general health, health care, and mobility will be presented. The relationship between the BRFSS Quality of Life module with state-added disability questions and other disability-related measures such as those that assess societal participation and environment barriers will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1 – Identify questions in the disability module of the BRFSS that define disability and severity. 2 – Describe characteristics of persons with disabilities from a population-based sample. 3 – Understand differences between those with disabilities and without, in various social and life characteristics
Keywords: Disability, Outcome Measures
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.