Monika Mitra, PhD, Karen M. Clements, ScD, and Nancy Wilber, EdD. Bureau of Family and Community Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington St, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02108, 617-624-5592, monika.mitra@state.ma.us

This study examines the determinants of general health and mental health status among respondents with and without disabilities using data from the 1998-2001 Massachusetts BRFSS. Three health outcomes were examined separately: fair or poor health, 15 or more days poor mental health in the past month, and 15 or more days feeling sad or depressed in the past month. Of the 20,079 adults, 4057 (19%) had a disability. Multivariate logistic models were fit to examine the association between health risks/behaviors, conditions, access to care, and health outcomes, controlling for socio-demographics and health characteristics. An interaction term for disability status x each health characteristic was included to test whether odds ratios statistically differed by disability status. For persons with and without a disability, correlates of fair/poor health were having inadequate insurance, no physical activity, and having diabetes. People with disabilities who needed help with routine needs were also more likely to report fair/poor health. Correlates of poor mental health among people with and without disabilities included being underinsured, doing no physical activity and being a current smoker. People with disabilities needing help with personal care needs were also more likely to have poor mental health. Among those with disabilities, feeling sad or depressed was associated with being underinsured, having no physical activity, and needing help with routine needs. For those with no disability, feeling sad or depressed was associated with being a current smoker. This presentation will compare the correlates of health outcomes between people with and without disabilities.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be informed about the determinants of health status among people with and without disabilities. They will develop an understanding of the connection between health risk behaviors and health outcomes among people with and without disabilities. Finally, participants will recognize the importance of including and targeting people with disabilities in public health programs.

Keywords: Disability, Health

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.