Disability And Health Journal[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Comment on "Hypertension prevalence and coverage and intellectual disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis".
Gairola J, Kumar A, Desai NN … +1 more , Dedeepya D
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41274851 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Disparities in suicide mortality among individuals with and without disabilities: A nationwide study in South Korea.
Yeob KE, Kim SY, Kim YY … +2 more , Kuper H, Park JH
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41274850 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: There is emerging evidence that people with disabilities are at a higher risk of suicide than those without disabilities. However, variations in suicide risk among individuals with disabilities are not well u...
BACKGROUND: There is emerging evidence that people with disabilities are at a higher risk of suicide than those without disabilities. However, variations in suicide risk among individuals with disabilities are not well understood. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to explore trends in suicide mortality between people with and without disabilities through a serial cross-sectional analysis. METHODS: We analysed data covering the entire population of South Korea over a 12-year period from 2006 to 2017. Suicide mortality risks were assessed yearly according to the presence, severity, and type of disability, with analyses stratified by sex. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for suicide, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. RESULTS: Throughout the study period, suicide risks remained approximately twice as high among individuals with than without disabilities. While suicide risks among non-disabled individuals continued to decrease, there has been a rise in suicide risks among those with mild disabilities since 2015. Among the five types of disabilities, the highest suicide risks were observed in individuals with developmental or psychological disabilities and those with major internal disorders. Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and mental health factors substantially reduced the odds ratios for suicide risk among individuals with disabilities. CONCLUSION: Addressing suicide as an extreme manifestation of social disadvantage faced by individuals with disabilities requires a multifaceted approach beyond individual healthcare. Public health efforts should integrate suicide prevention for people with disabilities into the broader healthcare agenda, addressing factors at the individual, family, community, and societal levels.
Response to the letter with comments on "Hypertension prevalence and coverage and intellectual disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis".
Vargas-Fernández R, Hernández-Vásquez A, Kuper H
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41274849 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Reasons for cannabis use among adults with disabilities: Findings from the 2023-2024 National Survey on Health and Disabilities.
Schulz JA, Owen A, Gimm G
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41238503 · Full text
BACKGROUND: People with disabilities disproportionately use cannabis compared to those without a disability; however, little is known about reasons for use among people with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this s...
BACKGROUND: People with disabilities disproportionately use cannabis compared to those without a disability; however, little is known about reasons for use among people with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and reasons for cannabis use among people with disabilities. METHODS: Data from Wave 5 (2023-2024) of the National Survey on Health and Disability (n = 1919), a national online survey of adults aged 18+ who self-identify as living with a disability, were used to estimate the prevalence and reasons for cannabis use among those with any disability and six self-reported limitations (cognitive, hearing, independent living, mobility, self-care, vision). Open-ended responses were analyzed using an inductive content analysis to create themes. RESULTS: The prevalence of current cannabis use among survey respondents was 21.9 % and people with cognitive disabilities reported the highest proportion (28.7 %). The most prevalent common reasons for current cannabis use across all domains were to help with pain (71.9 %) and to relax or relieve tension (60.2 %). Analysis of open-ended responses for cannabis use reasons yielded three main themes: medicinal reasons, contextual reasons, and primarily as sensory moderator. Specific medical reasons for using cannabis included assistance with health-related conditions such as migraines, nausea, muscle spasms, seizures, mental health concerns, and sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: Cannabis use is prevalent across disability domains and the majority of respondents note they use cannabis to help with pain and to relax or relieve tension. Findings highlight the need to monitor cannabis use for pain relief among this population.
A comparative analysis of self-identification and functional measures of disability.
Rennane S, Morris ZA
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41238502 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Disability is typically measured in surveys using functional limitation questions rather than asking respondents to self-identify as having a disability. Little is known about the characteristics of those who...
BACKGROUND: Disability is typically measured in surveys using functional limitation questions rather than asking respondents to self-identify as having a disability. Little is known about the characteristics of those who self-identify with a disability and how they compare with those identified via functional limitation questions. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence and characteristics of people with disabilities measured by both functional and self-identification measures, and to assess the overlap between these populations. METHODS: Using nationally representative survey data from 2023, we conduct bivariate comparisons of demographic, health, functional characteristics and financial needs between populations captured by self-identification question, the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning (WG-SS) and the American Community Survey Six (ACS-6) Questions. We estimate a multivariable regression to explore predictors of self-identification. RESULTS: Adding a self-identification question doubles the population with disabilities relative to measuring disability with the WG-SS alone, and increases the population by 30 % relative to the ACS-6 alone. People who self identify are less likely to be female or Hispanic/Latinx, are in worse physical health and more likely to be LGBTQIA + compared to those identified only by functional measures. The group identified by both the self-identification and either functioning question set are in the worst health and are more likely to participate in disability programs. CONCLUSION: Including a self-identification question in addition to functioning questions expands the prevalence of disability to varying degrees depending on which functional questions are used, but use of functioning and self-identification questions together enhances identification of the subgroup with highest needs.
The impact of certifying practices and statistical coding on the reporting of neurodevelopmental disabilities as the underlying cause of death in Australia.
Butchart J, Yang Y, Imms C … +2 more , Kavanagh A, Disney G
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41233226 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: As neurodevelopmental disabilities emerge in early childhood, reporting them as the underlying cause of death in mortality statistics effectively establishes the cause of death at birth. This hampers efforts...
BACKGROUND: As neurodevelopmental disabilities emerge in early childhood, reporting them as the underlying cause of death in mortality statistics effectively establishes the cause of death at birth. This hampers efforts to address causes of premature mortality and improve life expectancy for this population. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the reporting of neurodevelopmental disabilities as the underlying cause of death in Australian data and determine whether it is due to death certification practices or statistical coding rules. METHODS: Our observational study analysed Australian death data (2007-2022). We identified ICD-10 codes for neurodevelopmental disabilities and determined whether these were documented on death certificates as a direct or contributing cause and whether, following statistical coding, they were reported as an underlying or associated cause of death. RESULTS: ICD-10 codes for neurodevelopmental disabilities were present in 9878 deaths. For 40% of these, neurodevelopmental disability was reported as the underlying cause. This varied by disability type - from 8% for intellectual disability to 61% for Down syndrome. We found this was not always due to certifier practices. For 29% of deaths with a neurodevelopmental disability reported as the underlying cause, the corresponding condition was correctly recorded by the certifying practitioner as a contributing cause. CONCLUSIONS: Neurodevelopmental disabilities are being reported as the underlying cause of death in Australian mortality statistics, due to both medical practitioners' assessments and statistical coding. To ensure mortality statistics better inform efforts to reduce premature mortality in people with neurodevelopmental disabilities, both education for certifying practitioners and a change to statistical coding rules are required.
Differences in physical health between caregivers of children with and without disabilities: A systematic review and meta analysis.
Ku B, Moon H, Lee H … +2 more , Kim B, Lee S
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41219106 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Caring for children with disabilities can impose additional burdens that negatively affect caregivers' physical health. Although this issue has been widely studied, findings remain inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: Th...
BACKGROUND: Caring for children with disabilities can impose additional burdens that negatively affect caregivers' physical health. Although this issue has been widely studied, findings remain inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine differences in physical health between caregivers of children with and without disabilities through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A secondary aim was to explore whether specific factors moderated these differences. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. In the narrative synthesis, physical health differences between groups were manually compared. For the meta-analysis, outcomes were categorized as either Likert scale scores or odds ratios. Hedges' g was calculated for Likert-scale studies, while pooled odds ratios were computed for studies reporting odds ratios. Moderator variables included disability type, measurement type, parental age, and type of physical health outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were included, yielding 36 independent groups. Of these, 30 reported significantly poorer physical health among caregivers of children with disabilities. A random-effects model (n = 9, k = 12) revealed a significant pooled effect size (g = -.38, p = .003, 95 % CI [-.63, -.13]). Another model (n = 8, k = 11) showed a significant pooled odds ratio (OR = 1.30, 95 % CI [1.05, 1.60], p < .001). Type of physical health significantly moderated the association, with musculoskeletal outcomes showing stronger effects (Q(1) = 3.61, p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of children with disabilities consistently exhibit poorer physical health. Future research should identify mechanisms contributing to this disparity.
Delphi study for the development of a dyadic social support intervention for people with traumatic brain injury.
Kersey J, Schwartz J, Connor LT … +1 more , Stark S
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41207858 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience poor long-term health and participation outcomes, and current rehabilitation approaches fail to robustly improve these outcomes. An intervention aimed at en...
BACKGROUND: People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience poor long-term health and participation outcomes, and current rehabilitation approaches fail to robustly improve these outcomes. An intervention aimed at enhancing social support may be an effective approach to promoting greater participation and improving long-term health outcomes among people with TBI. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a Delphi study involving a series of iterative consensus-building surveys to finalize a set of intervention elements likely to yield a sustainable and effective support relationship that aligned with the values of people with lived experience of brain injury and was likely to be feasible for implementation in community settings. METHODS: We enrolled participants with TBI (n = 4), their family members (n = 3), TBI rehabilitation providers (n = 4), and TBI rehabilitation researchers (n = 4), who each completed three iterative surveys. RESULTS: Through this Delphi study, we selected four essential intervention elements (communication strategies, shared goals and activities, reciprocal psychosocial support, and problem-solving), and one active, but non-essential element (intermittent peer mentorship) to be included in future intervention development studies. CONCLUSIONS: Despite varied perspectives on the value of peer mentorship, we were able to finalize a set of intervention elements by adjusting the focus and model of peer mentorship to fit the values and priorities of participants. Future research is needed to refine and test this approach with people with TBI and their family members to optimize acceptability and feasibility.
Healthcare's blind spot-why people with disabilities remain marginalized and overlooked.
McKee MM, Mitra M
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41193297 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Promoting community and social participation in chronic stroke: A pilot study of the ENGAGE intervention.
Skidmore E, Baum C, Kersey J … +8 more , Kringle E, Voltz-Poremba K, Gordon S, Harris T, Fischer H, Gecht M, Furman M, Hammel J
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41173735 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Survivors of stroke report low levels of community and social participation, even years after stroke. ENGAGE is a community-based intervention that merges social learning, guided problem solving, and supervis...
BACKGROUND: Survivors of stroke report low levels of community and social participation, even years after stroke. ENGAGE is a community-based intervention that merges social learning, guided problem solving, and supervised practice to collaboratively identify, generate, and apply solutions to challenges with community and social participation after stroke. OBJECTIVE: We examined the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of ENGAGE and characterized within group changes in community and social participation outcomes. METHODS: Community-dwelling survivors of stroke, occupational therapy providers, and occupational therapy scientists partnered to co-design the essential and structural elements of ENGAGE, as well as to evaluate ENGAGE using a multi-site single-arm community-based phase 2a clinical trial design. The 6-week ENGAGE program was co-facilitated by survivors of stroke acting as peer mentors and occupational therapy provider through in-person (Phase I, 12 sessions) or virtual web conference meetings (Phase II, 9 sessions). Feasibility was assessed through participant retention, engagement, acceptability, satisfaction, and safety. Within group change was assessed through the PROMIS Ability to Participation in Social Roles and Activities Scale. RESULTS: Of the 42 participants providing consent, 38 were eligible, and 30 started the intervention program. Retention in the ENGAGE program was 90 % (n = 27). Of these, 85 % engaged actively, 87 % indicated very high satisfaction, and 0 % reported injuries or injurious falls. Participants achieved a medium within group effect size of change in community and social participation (d = 0.38, 95 % CI = -0.11, 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: ENGAGE appears to be a feasible and promising intervention to promote improvements in community and social participation in community-dwelling survivors of stroke.
State-based variations in risk of institutional placement among dually eligible non-elderly adults with intellectual / developmental disabilities.
Jan S, Steinway C, Brensinger C … +4 more , Teng O, Chen J, Liu Q, Shults J
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41107182 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Long-term services and supports (LTSS) include various paid institutional and personal care, comprising nearly 28.3 % of Medicaid spending, with significant variability in home and community-based services (H...
BACKGROUND: Long-term services and supports (LTSS) include various paid institutional and personal care, comprising nearly 28.3 % of Medicaid spending, with significant variability in home and community-based services (HCBS) eligibility across states. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of state of residence and HCBS spend on risk of institutional placement on a particularly vulnerable population, dual-eligible non-elderly adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the hazard ratio of institutional placement based on Medicaid and Medicare data. We examined CMS Medicaid Analytic eXtract files with linked 2008-2012 Medicare data from California, Florida, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Eligible participants were 159,275 dual-eligible adults aged 18-to-64 years living in community settings who were continuously enrolled in Medicaid and had ICD-9 codes for ID in any inpatient, outpatient, or long-term encounter. RESULTS: Among study participants, 4.4 % (n = 6975) had an eventual institutional placement claim. Subjects with institutional placement were more likely to be older, female, sicker, and have more claims for acute, ambulatory, and short-term care. In both unadjusted and adjusted analysis, risk of institutional placement was highest among those living in Ohio (HR 1.86 [1.70-2.04], P < 0.0001) and California (HR 1.50 [1.37-1.64], P < 0.0001) compared to Florida. Risk was lower for every $10,000 increase in HCBS spend at baseline. Black, Hispanic, and Other subjects had lower risks than While subjects, CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that continued investments in HCBS and better access may decrease reliance on costly institutional care for non-elderly disabled adults who may need long-term care for decades.
Shifting perspectives: Mental health and transition to adulthood in youth with cerebral palsy.
Sheridan M, Clark J
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41102115 · Publisher ↗
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition that affects 1.5-3.4 per 1000 children worldwide. As they grow older, these children must transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services. This transition comes with str...
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition that affects 1.5-3.4 per 1000 children worldwide. As they grow older, these children must transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services. This transition comes with stress and uncertainty for a population that is already at a higher risk of poor mental health. This paper discusses what is known about mental health in youth with CP and its impact on their transition within the medical system. It also uses a biopsycho-ecological framework to understand how transition impacts several domains of their life including family structure and social participation. Actionable guidance for medical providers and caregivers is given to promote a healthier transition process.
The excess Medicare costs of long-term medical condition or disability: A longitudinal population-based study of Australian children.
Ahmad K, Khanam R, Keating B … +4 more , Keramat SA, Hashmi R, Kabir E, Jürges H
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41102114 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the longitudinal relationship between the prevalence of childhood medical conditions or disabilities (MCoD) lasting at least six months and associated excess healthcare costs to the publ...
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the longitudinal relationship between the prevalence of childhood medical conditions or disabilities (MCoD) lasting at least six months and associated excess healthcare costs to the public payer (Medicare). OBJECTIVE: To determine the additional federally funded Medicare costs for children who have a long-term medical condition or disability and to investigate whether these costs rise due to the recurring presence of the conditions over time. METHODS: This study utilised data from the nationally representative Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, comprising Birth (B) and Kindergarten (K) cohorts, involving 9,224 children. Based on Medicare data linkage, the analysis included 54,285 observations longitudinally. Generalised linear models with a log link and gamma distribution were employed to estimate the impact of childhood MCoD on Medicare costs over 14 years for the B cohort and 12 years for the K cohort. All models were adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and selected child medical characteristics. RESULTS: On average, children with long-term MCoD incurred excess Medicare costs ranging from A$494 to A$784 biennially, in the different age groups of 0-1 to 16-17 years, compared to children without such conditions. Nationally, this translates to an estimated total additional Medicare expenditure of A$313.0 million for a cohort of children from age 0-1 year to 16-17 years. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the significant excess public Medicare costs associated with childhood MCoD in Australia. These results will be beneficial for future cost-effectiveness analysis and for improving public health planning aimed at improving support for children with long-term medical conditions or disabilities.
A systematic review of Photovoice studies on health-promoting behaviors among individuals with disabilities: Insights from the socio-ecological model.
Nam HJ, Park HN, Lee S … +4 more , Kang G, Shin JH, Kim B, Yoon JY
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41076336 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Photovoice enables participants to document their lived realities through photography, fostering self-expression and deeper reflection. OBJECTIVE: Leveraging these strengths, this study aimed to systematicall...
BACKGROUND: Photovoice enables participants to document their lived realities through photography, fostering self-expression and deeper reflection. OBJECTIVE: Leveraging these strengths, this study aimed to systematically review Photovoice research involving people with disabilities to explore the lived experiences with health-promoting behaviors. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted in July 2024 using multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Medline. The search process adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Quality appraisal was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. Identified facilitators and barriers to health-promoting behaviors among individuals with disabilities were mapped onto the Socio-Ecological Model to provide a structured analysis. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. At individual level, nine facilitators and seven barriers were identified. The interpersonal level revealed three facilitators and two barriers, while the institutional level included two facilitators and one barrier. At the community level, four facilitators and four barriers were found. No relevant factors were identified at the policy level. CONCLUSION: This study expands the existing literature on participatory research by systematically reviewing Photovoice studies that examine health-promoting behaviors among people with disabilities. By offering a comprehensive analysis of facilitators and barriers, this review enhances the understanding of lived experiences and informs future interventions aimed at fostering inclusive and supportive environments for health promotion.
Does a one-week disability awareness training influence medical students attitudes? A French mixed-methods study.
Bessaguet H, Coeurdacier De Gesnes C, Rimaud D … +10 more , Fernandez B, Flori P, Berthelot P, Peyroche M, Boulon Y, Adham A, Giraux P, Gautheron V, Charles R, Ojardias E
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 41033899 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Disability is experienced by approximately 1.3 billion individuals worldwide. Therefore, people with disabilities (PWD) are part of every physician's patient base, regardless of specialty. Specific educationa...
BACKGROUND: Disability is experienced by approximately 1.3 billion individuals worldwide. Therefore, people with disabilities (PWD) are part of every physician's patient base, regardless of specialty. Specific educational programs are needed, as medical students and physicians still report discomfort in taking histories, performing clinical examinations and making differential diagnoses when dealing with PWD. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that participation in a one-week disability awareness training, including theoretical sessions, practical workshops with PWD, and 3-day immersive training courses, would significantly improve the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of medical students toward PWD. METHODS: We conducted a monocentric prospective mixed-methods study targeting 3rd year medical students, using quantitative measurements through repeated synchronous surveys, evaluating disability attitudes in health care (DAHC) scores and performed qualitative explorations through individual semidirected interviews, evaluating students' feelings and attitudes toward PWD. RESULTS: A total of 218 students (mean age: 21.1 ± 1.4 years) were included in the study. While 60 % of the participants reported no prior working experience with PWD, there was a significant improvement in paired-DAHC scores 3 months after the training (+1.32, p = 0.003). Improvements were predominantly observed in comfort levels during interaction and in discriminatory attitudes. This practical experience was positively reported in the semidirected interviews, in which a facilitated transition from unfamiliarity to informed empathy and knowledge was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of disability awareness trainings in compulsory medical curricula should be prioritized to improve future physician's skills and attitudes when caring for PWD.
Association of disability and inflammation: Potential risks to a vulnerable population.
Liu-Galvin R, Orlando FA, Mainous AG
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 41033898 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Disabilities are prevalent and linked to a wide variety of functional limitations, while inflammation, a key factor in chronic disease development and progression, is not a screening or treatment target and i...
BACKGROUND: Disabilities are prevalent and linked to a wide variety of functional limitations, while inflammation, a key factor in chronic disease development and progression, is not a screening or treatment target and is therefore very rarely detected. Understanding the association between disabilities and inflammation is essential to address potential risks in this vulnerable population. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether individuals with disabilities are more likely to have elevated inflammation compared to those without. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults in the 2021-2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, survey-weighted logistic regression examined the associations between disabilities and high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) levels. Adjusted models controlled for age, sex, race/ethnicity, poverty, health insurance, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and smoking. RESULTS: Individuals with disabilities had higher odds of hs-CRP >3 mg/L (adjusted OR: 1.46, 95 % CI: 1.21-1.76) and >10 mg/L (adjusted OR: 1.61, 95 % CI: 1.17-2.22) compared to those without disabilities. Physical disabilities were significantly associated with hs-CRP >3 mg/L (adjusted OR: 1.61, 95 % CI: 1.26-2.07) and >10 mg/L (adjusted OR: 1.94, 95 % CI: 1.47-2.55). Mental disabilities were associated with elevated hs-CRP in unadjusted but not adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: Disabilities, particularly physical disabilities, are associated with elevated inflammation, which may reflect underlying biological processes, reduced mobility, or cumulative health burden. The increased burden of systemic inflammation among individuals with disabilities supports consideration of hs-CRP as a potential marker for identifying elevated health risk in this population.
Social and attitudinal barriers to the provision of accessible housing in Canada: A qualitative study.
Yuzwa KE, Bacchus-Misir F, Galeazzi-Stirling S … +4 more , Cohen E, Athanasopoulos P, Hitzig SL, Sheppard CL
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 40987713 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Housing is a critical social determinant of health and for individuals with accessibility needs, having a roof over one's head is not enough. For people requiring accessibility features to enter and exit thei...
BACKGROUND: Housing is a critical social determinant of health and for individuals with accessibility needs, having a roof over one's head is not enough. For people requiring accessibility features to enter and exit their home, use the bathroom, or prepare meals, the absence of these features can limit social participation, increase reliance on caregivers, and negatively impact health, dignity, and safety. OBJECTIVE: This article presents a qualitative study with members from diverse key interest groups across the housing, disability, healthcare, and policy sectors to identify social and attitudinal barriers limiting accessible housing and home modifications options in Canada. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews and a demographic survey were conducted with 59 people. Participants included people with lived experience of disabilities and other end-users of accssible housing (i.e., family caregivers and people from the Deaf community), as well as cross-sectoral professionals with expertise in accessible housing. Inductive codebook thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Four prevailing themes were identified from the data, including a lack of prioritization by policy makers and housing developers, cost-benefit appraisals of including accessibility features, discriminatory attitudes towards the aesthetics of accessibility and towards end-users, and underestimating of the need for preventative accessibility. CONCLUSIONS: Attitudinal barriers are contributing to a lack of prioritization of accessibility in housing in Canada. To create a more inclusive housing landscape and improve public health, investments in accessible housing, policy advancement, and new regulatory measures are recommended.
Healthcare disparities in colorectal cancer prevention for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A caregiver perspective.
Zeilinger EL, Wagner T, Fuchs A … +5 more , Schroeder M, Brunevskaya N, Pietschnig J, Mikula P, Unseld M
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 40976742 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is crucial for early detection, but people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face significant healthcare disparities, including lower screening rates. OB...
BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is crucial for early detection, but people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face significant healthcare disparities, including lower screening rates. OBJECTIVE: This study explores barriers and facilitators to CRC screening for individuals with IDD from the caregiver perspective. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 caregivers (eight women, mean age 45) of individuals with IDD in Austria and analyzed using thematic analysis. A modified version of the Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) questionnaire was used to assess CRC-related healthcare literacy of the caregivers. RESULTS: The modified CAM revealed low CRC knowledge among caregivers, with gaps in symptom and risk factor recognition and low self-reported confidence in symptom detection. Four themes emerged from the interviews: (1) Improving access to inclusive healthcare, highlighting systemic healthcare challenges, inclusive environments, clinician expertise, and health education; (2) Managing IDD-specific challenges, including communication difficulties, reliance on routines, and comorbidities; (3) The critical role of caregiver support, focusing on the empowerment of people with IDD; and (4) Challenging stigma and bridging social gaps, addressing stereotypes and social segregation of people with IDD. CONCLUSIONS: This study serves as a case study, illustrating how the exclusion of people with IDD from the design of preventive healthcare perpetuates inequities in CRC screening, and emphasizing the need for more inclusive systems and practices. Addressing these shortcomings requires improved knowledge and educational resources, disability-sensitive training for professionals, accessible healthcare environments and systemic efforts to promote autonomy and reduce stigma.
Prevalence, predictors and consequences of reported discrimination against children with disabilities in Lao PDR: a cross-sectional analysis in Xiengkhouang Province.
Scherer N, Chanthakoummane K, Homsana A … +5 more , Carew MT, Siengsounthone L, Kuper H, Soukkhaphone B, Banks LM
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 40973533 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Children with disabilities are at increased risk of discrimination, contributing to exclusion from services and community life. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the prevalence, predictors and consequences o...
BACKGROUND: Children with disabilities are at increased risk of discrimination, contributing to exclusion from services and community life. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the prevalence, predictors and consequences of reported discrimination against children with disabilities in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). METHODS: Data were collected in the baseline assessment for a non-randomised controlled trial of a cash-plus programme for children with disabilities in Xiengkhouang Province, Lao PDR. Assessment was conducted May to October 2023. Data on reported discrimination was collected using a tool based on a validated measure. Experience of discrimination in the past 30 days was classified into "any" and "frequent". Children aged ≥8 years reported directly on their experiences of discrimination. Caregivers provided proxy response for children <8 years or for children ≥8 years who had severe difficulties communicating. RESULTS: 405 children with disabilities aged ≤18 years were recruited. Prevalence of any reported discrimination in the past 30 days was 72.3%, and of frequent discrimination 28.4%. Reported discrimination was more common against children with cognitive disabilities (aRR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.03-2.33), Hmong/Lu Mien children (aRR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.10-1.41), and children without friends (aRR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.16-2.23). Children experiencing frequent discrimination were substantially more likely to avoid others (aRR: 5.19, 95% CI: 3.48-7.74) and worry about how others act towards them (aRR: 4.05, 95% CI: 2.79-5.88). CONCLUSIONS: Children with disabilities in Lao PDR experience high levels of discrimination. Action is needed to reduce disability-related stigma and discrimination in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Hypertension prevalence and coverage and intellectual disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Vargas-Fernández R, Hernández-Vásquez A, Kuper H
Disabil Health J · 2026 Apr · PMID 40967988 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities (ID) frequently experience poorer health and lower treatment coverage compared to those without ID, yet differences in hypertension prevalence and treatment coverage rema...
BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities (ID) frequently experience poorer health and lower treatment coverage compared to those without ID, yet differences in hypertension prevalence and treatment coverage remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the pooled prevalence ratio (PR) of hypertension and hypertension treatment coverage comparing adults with and without ID. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, Global Health and Global Index Medicus on June 6, 2024. We included observational and intervention studies that estimated the prevalence of hypertension and/or treatment coverage. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale tool. We undertook a random-effects meta-analysis to estimate the pooled PR with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Sources of heterogeneity were explored through sensitivity and subgroup analyses, and meta-regression. RESULTS: 21 studies from 10 countries across three regions were included. The pooled PR were 0.71 (95 % CI: 0.47-1.05) for hypertension and 0.61 (95 % CI: 0.47-0.81) for hypertension treatment coverage. Only one study adjusted for age; most reported unadjusted estimates, making them prone to confounding. 14 studies were rated as high risk of bias. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression revealed variability in the methods used to diagnose ID, with sample size emerging as the primary source of variability in the effect estimates. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review showed that adults with ID have a similar prevalence of hypertension, but lower hypertension treatment coverage compared to those without disabilities. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the lack of adjustment for confounding in the association and variability in the diagnosis of ID.
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