In cross sectional analyses, functional limitations have been shown to have a strong relationship to social role behavior, such as participation in work or school roles. This relationship is often modified by other characteristics such as age, levels of education and use of assistive technologies. However, there has been little research on a nationally representative basis that examines how changes in functioning over time are associated with social role participation. We have little information on how increases, or decreases, in limitations in physical functioning bring about changes or adaptations in role behavior, or how personal or environmental characteristics work to influence the change process.
Using the 1996 Panel of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) in conjunction with the 1995 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), this analysis will identify a sample of persons who report any type of functional limitation during a period of three years, 1995 to 1997, and will follow that sample over the three year period. This will allow for assessing improvement or decline in physical functioning during that time period and a description of that process. In addition, maintenance or relinquishing of major role behaviors can also be tracked over the period. The analysis will also examine the association of functional change with role change, within the context of family composition, access to financial support, availability of assistive technology and other personal and social factors.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to describe the association between changes in functional status and the performance of major roles among persons with disabilities
Keywords: Disability, Behavioral Research
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.