Respondents to South Carolina's BRFSS disability screener questions are more likely to have a chronic health condition than a lifelong disability

BACKGROUND Approximately 22% of adults in the United States report having a disability1. The measurement of disability status is crucial to monitoring health disparities among our population2. However, there is little research that identifies specific limitations by type of disability. OBJECTIVE The primary aim is to identify specific limitations by type of disability. METHOD Data from the 2011 South Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (SC BRFSS) was utilized and participants were classified as having disability if they reported being limited in their activity or using special equipment. These participants were then asked two follow-up questions detailing the type of disability and the specific limitation experienced. RESULT Twenty-seven percent of respondents reported having a disability. The commonly reported health conditions causing disability were arthritis/musculoskeletal conditions (27.7%), heart disease (7.8%), and diabetes (5.2%). Among those reporting disability due to musculoskeletal conditions, the most common limitations were inability to walk (96.8%, 95% CI 95.2-98.5) and difficulty walking (7.7%, 95% CI 5.2-10.1). Among those reporting disability due to heart disease, the most common limitations were inability to walk (26.5%, 95% CI 20.8-32.3) and problems using arms/hands (15.4%, 95% CI 10.6-20.1). Among those reporting disability due to diabetes, the most common limitations were problems using arms/hands (97.7%, 95% CI 95.5-99.9) and experiencing pain (24.1%, 95% CI 14.7-33.5). CONCLUSION With the high prevalence of disabled adults, it is important to understand what individuals report as a disability. Identifying specific health outcomes relative to the disabilities will allow health professionals to target their efforts more appropriately.