This study examines Alabama data from the 1998 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System . Alabama is one of 11 states and DC that collected information on disability. In a recent analysis of the 11 states (including Alabama) and DC’s data, there were noted disparities in the prevalence of disability by gender. Alabama’s rates were 18.8% for men and 24.4% for women with an overall disability rate that was the highest (21.8%) of the 11states and DC. The Alabama data were examined to further assess the gender disparities. We examined the use of health care services and some of the access issues such as insurance coverage, gaps in coverage and medical cost. We examined these variables for women with and without disabilities and women with a cognitive or learning disability. Disparities related to race, education, and income were also examined. Bivariate associations were examined using weighted Pearson chi-square analyses. No negative disparities were observed when comparing women with and without disabilities. Our findings indicated that all women with disabilities including those with cognitive disabilities had equal or better access to care and used routine and preventive care as often or more often than women without disabilities. Alabama women with more education, higher income, and better general health were more likely to have had a pap smear (p<0.0001, p=0.001, and p<0.0001; respectively) within the past year. No disparities were noted for mammography and clinical breast exam screening
Learning Objectives: At the completion of this session the learner will be able to: 1. Determine if disparities in health care and access exist between women with disabilties and those without; and 2. Articulate 3 major issues that face women with disabilities in accessing care.
Keywords: Disability Studies, Women's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.