Preventive health service utilization by people with disabilities: A 2010 behavioral risk factor surveillance system study

Background: The Americans with Disabilities Act became law in 1990; since then research has shown that people with disabilities continue to experience barriers to health care. The purpose of this study was to compare utilization of preventive services, chronic disease rates, and engagement in health risk behaviors of participants with varying degrees of disabilities to those without disabilities. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of 2010 data collected in the BRFSS national survey. Data were analyzed comparing those who answered no to both disability questions to those who answered 1) yes to disability question one only, 2) yes to disability question two only and 3) yes to both disability questions. For age criteria of preventive services (upper and lower), we used recommendations from the USPSTF. Rao Chi square test and logistic regression were employed. Results: Participants with any type of disability had significantly higher adjusted odds ratios for chronic diseases, physical inactivity, and obesity. Participants with any type of disability were significantly more likely to have had a flu or pneumonia vaccination and less likely to have had their teeth cleaned. Women with activity limitations who also use special equipment were less likely to have had a mammogram in the past two years. Women with activity limitations were less likely to have had a Pap test in the past three years Conclusion: Our findings suggest that people with disabilities are less able to fully participate in all preventive services offered when compared to those without disabilities