Most recent conceptualizations of the disablement process, including WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICFDH), indicate that the effect of individuals' activity limitations on their social participation is conditioned by environmental factors. This paper reports on a quantitative analysis of the relationship between mobility limitations and labor force participation, and the effect on that relationship of using assistive technology devices. The data are from the National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) of 1997, 1998, and 1999. Each year since 1997 the NHIS core has asked a nationally representative sample of adults (n=32,000) questions about the difficulty they have, without assistance, in performing specific activities, including standing, walking, and climbing. The answers to those questions will be combined in a single measure of mobility limitation with several levels of severity. Answers to questions about jobs, school, and other social activities will be used to construct a measure of labor force participation. The relationship between mobility limitation and labor force participation will be described for the population and subgroups defined by sociodemographic characteristics and examined for trends over the 3-year period covered by the data. Finally, a multivariate analysis will be made to determine if the use of assistive technology has an effect on the relationship of mobility limitation and labor force participation net of the effects of sociodemographic factors. ICFDH concepts and terminology will be used throughout the analysis.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to describe the relationship between mobility limitation and labor force participation in the United States. 2. Participants will have an understanding of the content and possible applications of the National Health Interview Survey. 3. Participants will be able to describe the main features and possible applications of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.
Keywords: Disability, Workforce
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The National Center for Health Statistics, producer of the National Health Interview Survey
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.