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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Elizabeth A. Chrischilles, PhD1, Robert Wallace, MD1, David Scholz, MBA1, Linda Rubenstein, PhD1, Rachel VanGilder, MS1, Kara Wright, MS1, and Claire Pavlik, PhD2. (1) Department of Epidemiology, The University of Iowa, College of Public Health, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, 319-384-5009, e-chrischilles@uiowa.edu, (2) Department of Geography, The University of Iowa, 312 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242
Objective: To determine the prevalence of mobility limitations and secondary conditions (SC) among adult Medicare beneficiaries. Methods: An age-stratified random sample of aged (age 65+) and random sample of SSDI (age 18-64) Iowa Medicare beneficiaries were selected. Mailed questionnaires identified mobility limitations (difficulty walking a quarter mile, walking up ten steps, getting in and out of bed/chairs, doing heavy work; use of assistive devices for mobility; or unable to walk more than one or two city blocks without assistance) and SC. Mobility disability was classified as having limitations only, dependence on others (needing help from others for any of the above items), and restriction in mobility participation (any of 5 items about restrictions getting about in the community). Twenty-five SC were surveyed. Results: Among 578 SSDI and 3880 aged respondents, the prevalence of mobility limitation was 80.6% (SSDI) and 49.9, 65.8, and 84.8% (ages 65-74, 75-84, 85+). Among those with mobility limitation, 55% of SSDI beneficiaries reported participation restriction while this ranged from 21.4% to 44.8% among the aged. Having limitations but no dependence or participation restriction occurred for 8% of SSDI and 17-39% of aged beneficiaries. Mobility-limited persons aged 65-74, 75-84, and 85+ had significantly fewer mean SC than SSDI beneficiaries (6.1, 5.6, and 5.5 vs. 9.4 conditions). Mean SC increased significantly with increasing extent of mobility disability. Conclusion: Mobility disability and SC are common among Medicare beneficiaries of all ages. SSDI beneficiaries with mobility limitation have a greater extent of disability and more SC than aged beneficiaries.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Medicare, Disability
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.