Sarah E Bauer1, Jessica R Schumacher2, Allyson Hall2, Nicole M Marlow2, Claudia Friedel3, Danielle Scheer3, Susan Redmon4. 1. Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, University of Florida, USA. Electronic address: secbauer@ufl.edu. 2. Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, University of Florida, USA. 3. Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, University of Florida, USA; Florida Disability and Health Program, USA. 4. Florida Department of Health, Disability and Health Program, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research has not fully characterized barriers to health care faced by persons with disabilities (PWD) which constitutes a critical gap given the increased risk of chronic illness faced by PWD. OBJECTIVE: To understand the current barriers to seeking health care-related services for PWD in Florida. METHODS: The study was based on a random-digit-dial telephone interview survey of respondents aged 18 and over (n = 1429). Multivariable logistic regression assessed the relationship between disability and physical and communication barriers. RESULTS: One thousand four hundred and twenty-nine Florida residents participated in the survey. Thirty-three percent of respondents (n = 471) reported having a disability. PWD were significantly older (mean age 68 vs. 61) and had lower levels of income and education than persons without disabilities (PWOD) (p < 0.05). In adjusted analyses, PWD had significantly higher odds of encountering a physical environment barrier (Odds Ratio [OR] = 16.6 95% CI: 7.9, 34.9), a clinical experience barrier (OR = 13.9 95% CI: 6.9, 27.9) a communication and knowledge barrier (OR = 6.7 95% CI: 4.0, 11.3) and a barrier coordinating care (OR = 5.7 95% CI: 3.4, 9.6) compared to persons without disabilities (PWOD). CONCLUSIONS: PWD disproportionately face health care access difficulties that can impede the receipt of high quality care within and between provider visits. Efforts to reduce physical barriers and improve communication between providers and PWD may improve functional status and quality of life for these patients.
BACKGROUND: Research has not fully characterized barriers to health care faced by persons with disabilities (PWD) which constitutes a critical gap given the increased risk of chronic illness faced by PWD. OBJECTIVE: To understand the current barriers to seeking health care-related services for PWD in Florida. METHODS: The study was based on a random-digit-dial telephone interview survey of respondents aged 18 and over (n = 1429). Multivariable logistic regression assessed the relationship between disability and physical and communication barriers. RESULTS: One thousand four hundred and twenty-nine Florida residents participated in the survey. Thirty-three percent of respondents (n = 471) reported having a disability. PWD were significantly older (mean age 68 vs. 61) and had lower levels of income and education than persons without disabilities (PWOD) (p < 0.05). In adjusted analyses, PWD had significantly higher odds of encountering a physical environment barrier (Odds Ratio [OR] = 16.6 95% CI: 7.9, 34.9), a clinical experience barrier (OR = 13.9 95% CI: 6.9, 27.9) a communication and knowledge barrier (OR = 6.7 95% CI: 4.0, 11.3) and a barrier coordinating care (OR = 5.7 95% CI: 3.4, 9.6) compared to persons without disabilities (PWOD). CONCLUSIONS: PWD disproportionately face health care access difficulties that can impede the receipt of high quality care within and between provider visits. Efforts to reduce physical barriers and improve communication between providers and PWD may improve functional status and quality of life for these patients.