Access to Preventive Services for Working-Age Adults With Physical Limitations. Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in access to preventive services for working-age adults with physical limitations, nonphysical limitations, and no limitations. DESIGN: Observational data were pooled across calendar years 2003 through 2012 from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a nationally representative survey of noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Working-age adults (N=75,145; age range, 18-64y) who responded to all 5 rounds of the MEPS during 2003 through 2012. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood pressure checks, flu shots, and dental visits, in the last 12 months. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses showed that adults with physical limitations were more likely to receive a blood pressure check (92.2% vs 69.6%, respectively; P<.001) or flu shot (39.7% vs 23.4%, respectively; P<.001) than adults with no limitations. However, those with physical limitations were less likely to have a dental checkup (44.7% vs 59.4%, respectively; P<.001) than those with no limitation. Having a usual source of care increased the odds of receiving preventive services. CONCLUSIONS: The study has implications for providers and policymakers. Policies that support the adequacy of provider networks and continuity with a usual source of care may increase the use of preventive services in adults with physical limitations.

published proceedings

  • Arch Phys Med Rehabil

altmetric score

  • 8.25

author list (cited authors)

  • Gimm, G., Wood, E., & Zanwar, P.

citation count

  • 5

complete list of authors

  • Gimm, Gilbert||Wood, Elizabeth||Zanwar, Preeti

publication date

  • December 2017