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Gwyn C. Jones, PhD, National Rehabilitation Hospital Center for Health and Disability Research, 102 Irving St. NW, Room 1066, Washington, DC 20010-2949, 202/877-1951, Gwyn.C.Jones@MedStar.net
Objectives. To examine adverse health behaviors among adults with disabilities that increase their risk for preventable chronic conditions.
Methods. We analyzed data from the combined 1997-99 National Health Interview Survey to examine the association between 4 adverse health behaviors and 4 potentially preventable chronic conditions in adults with disabilities.
Results. Adults with disabilities were significantly more likely to engage in adverse health behaviors and to have a higher risk for all chronic conditions studied than their non-disabled counterparts. Smokers with disabilities increased their risk for bone/joint problems, chronic pain, and depressive symptoms. Drinkers with disabilities evidenced a higher risk for chronic pain. Obese adults with disabilities (BMI > 30) had a higher risk for depressive symptoms, and physically inactive adults with disabilities raised their risk for bone/joint problems, chronic pain, depressive symptoms, and hypertension. These findings were even more striking by level of disability severity.
Conclusions/Implications. Adults with disabilities who smoke, overeat, use alcohol, or get no regular exercise may significantly increase their risk of having potentially preventable chronic conditions. Adults with disabilities may experience improved health outcomes, greater independence, and enhanced quality of life, if health care providers (1) routinely assess their participation in adverse health behaviors as a part of their primary care, and (2) offer disability-sensitive, accessible health promotion interventions to address potentially damaging risk behaviors.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants in this session will be able to
Keywords: Disability, Health Behavior
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.