Disability And Health Journal[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
A shared journey and a call for action for persons living with inherited retinal diseases.
Ng QX, Chan HW, Koh GCH
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40619291 · Publisher ↗
Two recently published qualitative studies-conducted in Australia and Singapore-coincided with Rare Disease Day 2025, and they delved into the profound psychosocial impacts of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) among work...
Two recently published qualitative studies-conducted in Australia and Singapore-coincided with Rare Disease Day 2025, and they delved into the profound psychosocial impacts of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) among working-age adults. Both studies independently identified similar themes related to identity disruption, social invisibility, emotional turbulence and the significant challenges of adapting to progressive vision loss. This serendipitous alignment highlights the universal challenges and struggles of IRD across distinct cultures, and the findings illuminate how IRDs transcend medical diagnoses, demanding coordinated psychosocial support and policy-level interventions. This commentary reflects upon the implications for healthcare and society at large, and urges a clarion call to action. Improving psychosocial support, enhancing public awareness and advocating for empathetic care models and inclusive policies for persons affected by IRDs are imperatives. In doing so, we can build more equitable systems that address the realities of IRDs and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives despite their vision impairment.
Response to Letter to the editor concerning Van Deynse et al. "one-year employment outcome prediction after traumatic brain injury: a CENTER-TBI study".
Van Deynse H, Cools W, De Deken VJ
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 40615240 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Igniting the fire within: An innovative residential rehabilitation program for people with spinal cord injury.
Hochman L, Santasier A
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40581555 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Shortened rehabilitation stays following spinal cord injury (SCI) limits rehabilitation potential and adversely impacts psychosocial health, functional goal capacity, and quality of life. Designed to fill thi...
BACKGROUND: Shortened rehabilitation stays following spinal cord injury (SCI) limits rehabilitation potential and adversely impacts psychosocial health, functional goal capacity, and quality of life. Designed to fill this healthcare gap, Empower SCI (ESCI) was established to provide a second chance at rehabilitation using a short-term residential rehabilitation model shaped by participant-driven goals through physical and occupational therapy, adaptive recreation, rehabilitation counseling, and education sessions. A volunteer staff of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and health professional students provides the supportive environment. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative inquiry aimed to reveal the outcomes and subsequent impact of the ESCI 2023 programs on the participants' physical, emotional, and psychosocial development. METHODS: Nine participants from the ESCI 2023 programs volunteered to participate in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach, and themes and subthemes were established. Methodological rigor was established through multiple means. RESULTS: Three themes, each with subthemes, emerged from the data: 1. Positive participant change, 2. Positive life changing perspective shift, and 3. Integral ESCI program ingredients. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive nature of the impactful changes on participant's physical, emotional, and psychosocial development are well aligned with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, a biopsychosocial model of disability. Additionally, the motivation for the participants' perspective shift is consistent with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The evidence from this study supports the value of short-term residential rehabilitation programs that are driven by participant centered goals and occur in the SCI healthcare continuum when individuals can maximize their potential to live more meaningful lives.
The inclusion of people with disabilities in COVID-19 preventive measures: Qualitative research from Vietnam.
Ngoc LA, Hue NT, Kim Dung NT … +6 more , Hunt X, Shakespeare T, Hameed S, Mai VQ, Van Hoang M, Banks LM
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40555626 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique challenges for people with disabilities, highlighting significant structural disparities in access to essential health information and services. In Vietnam, these challe...
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique challenges for people with disabilities, highlighting significant structural disparities in access to essential health information and services. In Vietnam, these challenges are pronounced, necessitating an investigation into the experiences of people with disabilities during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the experiences of people with disabilities in three major cities in Vietnam in accessing COVID-19 information and adhering to preventive measures. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 adults with disabilities from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Participants were purposively selected from government registers based on age, gender, residence location, and disability type. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Respondents revealed significant barriers to accessing information on COVID-19 prevention. Key issues included the use of technical language, combined with low literacy among respondents, poor access to assistive and information-communication technology, and lack of accessible information formats or unsuitable adaptations. Difficulties in implementing preventive measures and heightened anxiety were common among participants, leading some to be unable to adequately protect themselves, while others undertook additional, unconventional measures. CONCLUSIONS: This research emphasizes the urgency of redefining disability inclusion in public health responses, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Tailored guidance and resources are essential to address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities to ensure equitable health outcomes.
Needs assessment of training midwifery, nursing, and medical students in sexual and reproductive health care for people with disabilities in Tanzania.
Mark KP, Mushy SE, Puchner-Hardman M … +15 more , Mgopa LR, Lukumay GG, Rosser BRS, Massawe AF, Mwakawanga DL, Chikwala VZ, Sumari EI, Lyimo AA, Kilian G, Trent ME, Ross MW, Löfgren C, Connor JJ, Mfinanga RH, Mkoka DA
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 40555625 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Tanzania has a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) crisis, a particularly vulnerable population of people with disabilities (PWD), and a need for healthcare providers trained in PWD-focused SRH care. However...
BACKGROUND: Tanzania has a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) crisis, a particularly vulnerable population of people with disabilities (PWD), and a need for healthcare providers trained in PWD-focused SRH care. However, SRH services are limited, and the inclusion of PWD in SRH efforts is rare in Tanzania. The current study examined the feasibility and acceptability of addressing this critical gap by training future healthcare professionals in SRH for PWD. OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a PWD-focused SRH training to be delivered to healthcare students attending Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (MUHAS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS: A mixed methods design via a survey taken by 409 medical, nursing, and midwifery student participants was employed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a new curriculum focused on the SRH needs of PWD. Data were assessed using descriptive statistics and reflexive content analysis. RESULTS: Data indicate that 83.6% and 97.6% of medical, nursing, and midwifery students believe that an SRH training centered on the needs of PWD is feasible and acceptable, respectively. Moreover, findings indicated that 50.4% of medical, nursing, and midwifery students at MUHAS receive little to no training in SRH for PWD. Participants' qualitative responses indicated that the training would improve the quality of life for PWD, address their vulnerability and healthcare neglect, and benefit society. CONCLUSION: MUHAS students find a PWD-focused SRH training to be feasible, acceptable, and needed, presenting an opportunity for great impact.
Status of local governments' disaster preparedness targeting persons with physical disabilities in Japan.
Takahashi K, Takaki K, Koyama S … +1 more , Suzurikawa J
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 40545414 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: During disasters, persons with physical disabilities face various difficulties. Local governments need to improve disaster preparedness to support persons with physical disabilities. OBJECTIVE: This study aim...
BACKGROUND: During disasters, persons with physical disabilities face various difficulties. Local governments need to improve disaster preparedness to support persons with physical disabilities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the status and concerns of different-sized local governments in Japan on disaster preparedness (designation of welfare evacuation centers and development of individual evacuation plans) for persons with physical disabilities. METHODS: In February 2023, questionnaires were distributed among the local governments of all 1724 municipalities in Japan. In this survey, the officials responsible for disaster preparedness for persons with disabilities answered questions on welfare evacuation centers and individual evacuation plans. Further, the associations between responses and population sizes were examined using a chi-square test. RESULTS: In total, 812 Japanese municipalities responded to the survey. Results revealed that approximately half of the municipalities did not have designated welfare evacuation centers. Further, the larger the population, the higher the proportion of undesignated welfare evacuation centers. At the time of this study, only 59 local governments had completed the individual evacuation plans for targeted persons. The biggest difficulty was understanding the needs of persons with disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The difficulty in designating welfare evacuation centers and developing individual evacuation plans progressively increases with the increase in a municipality's population size. Although large local governments may possess abundant disaster preparedness resources, they often find it difficult to advance such measures to persons with physical disabilities because such actions require detailed responses from these individuals.
Exploring menstrual symptom frequency and impact on people with neurodevelopmental conditions.
St John L, Osness E, Panech A … +2 more , Lunsky Y, Doyle Baker PK
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 40544029 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Menstruation can be a physically, mentally and emotionally challenging time, especially for individuals who have neurodevelopmental disabilities. Sensory impairments, emotional dysregulation and challenges co...
BACKGROUND: Menstruation can be a physically, mentally and emotionally challenging time, especially for individuals who have neurodevelopmental disabilities. Sensory impairments, emotional dysregulation and challenges communicating pain can make managing menstruation challenging for this population. OBJECTIVE: To describe common symptoms and the effect of symptoms on those with neurodevelopmental disabilities. METHODS: A mixed methods study design was employed. Qualitative data regarding symptom experience were collected through a semi-structured interview, while quantitative data were collected using the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants described debilitating cramping which often impacted activities of daily living. Participants also discussed challenges with emotional dysregulation, with many experiencing extreme moods swings and/or depressive episodes during menstruation. CONCLUSION: For the participants in this study, their periods were physically and emotionally taxing and had significant impacts on their day to day lives. Future research is needed to explore why those with neurodevelopmental disabilities may be experiencing such extreme menstrual symptoms.
Letter to the editor concerning Van Deynse's et al. "one-year employment outcome prediction after traumatic brain injury: a CENTER-TBI study".
Lee B
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 40544028 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Multi-center improvement in screening for pain that affects activities in adults with cerebral palsy.
Bailes AF, Noritz GH, Wyeth DO … +9 more , Lucas EJ, Bates EB, Azizi H, Sarmiento CA, Thorpe DE, Nichols SA, Kreschmer J, Wisniewski S, Gannotti M
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40537398 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Descriptions of how centers implement standardized screening for pain and how pain affects activities among adults with cerebral palsy (CP) are lacking. OBJECTIVE: Improve screening for pain in adults with CP...
BACKGROUND: Descriptions of how centers implement standardized screening for pain and how pain affects activities among adults with cerebral palsy (CP) are lacking. OBJECTIVE: Improve screening for pain in adults with CP across three centers and examine factors associated with pain that affect activities. METHODS: Using the quality improvement (QI) infrastructure of the Cerebral Palsy Research Network (CPRN), we implemented interventions to improve screening at clinic visits for pain that affects activities for adults with CP. Four physicians from three CPRN centers in the United States performed interventions. To track progress, we collected visit data cross sectionally every two weeks. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and logistic regression evaluated relationships in a cohort of visits after screening practices had been established. RESULTS: Screening improved from 42 % at baseline to over 90 %. After three months of sustained screening, we assessed 423 visits. Pain was reported at 185/423 (44 %) of visits. 100/185 (54 %) reported pain that affected activities. Increasing age, female gender, and greater motor function were associated with pain (p < 0.001) and pain that affects activities (p < 0.01). Females reported pain 3.4 times and pain that affects activity 2.2 times more than males. CONCLUSION: QI methodology was successful at improving screening for pain that affects activities in adults with CP. Lower rates of pain were found (44 %) than previous reports, with similar findings about pain affecting activities and associated characteristics. Next steps should include continued screening with improvement in differentiating proxy vs self-report and including other domains of pain important to guide care.
Quantifying the prevalence of activity limitation for Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand using the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning: A national survey.
Ingham TR, Perry MA, Jones BH … +6 more , King PT, Sporle A, Elliott T, Baker G, Milne B, Nikora LW
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40527687 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand, experience higher rates of activity limitation compared to the general population, and are therefore at greater risk of disability, yet disaggregated data...
BACKGROUND: Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand, experience higher rates of activity limitation compared to the general population, and are therefore at greater risk of disability, yet disaggregated data within this population remain limited. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim was to quantify the prevalence and types of activity limitation among Māori adults using the Washington Group Short Set (WG-SS) of Questions on Functioning, with a secondary objective to examine demographic variations in reported limitations. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analysed data from a nationally representative survey of 7230 Māori adults. Participants self-reported activity limitations across six functional domains (vision, hearing, mobility, cognition, self-care, and communication) using the WG-SS. Weighted analyses were performed to estimate prevalence and demographic variations, with results presented for both "At least a lot of difficulty", "Some difficulty" and "Any difficulty" categories. RESULTS: In total, 15.1 % reported "At least a lot of difficulty" and 70.2 % reported "Any difficulty". Almost 50 % of participants experienced multiple limitations. Cognitive difficulties were most prevalent, affecting 47.6 % of participants, with 8 % reporting severe difficulty. No significant differences in prevalence were observed between males and females, age, nor urbanicity. CONCLUSION: A substantial burden of activity limitation, particularly cognitive, were found amongst Māori. The WG-SS, while effective for quantifying activity limitation, does not fully capture socio-cultural dimensions or broader participation barriers critical to understanding the experience of disability for Māori. Culturally responsive disability frameworks are urgently required to inform policies and practices which recognize the unique needs and address the existing inequities of Māori.
Diaphragmatic mobility and its relationship with the functional exercise capacity, fatigue severity, symptoms of fatigue, and health-related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy.
Erkut Ü, Bingöl H
Disabil Health J · 2026 Jan · PMID 40518324 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that diaphragmatic mobility (DM) is reduced in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the relationships between DM and physical fitness, fatigue, and quality of life in children with CP...
BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that diaphragmatic mobility (DM) is reduced in children with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the relationships between DM and physical fitness, fatigue, and quality of life in children with CP have yet to be established. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between DM and functional exercise capacity (FEC), fatigue severity, fatigue symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with CP. METHODS: Twenty children with the ambulatory CP and 10 healthy peers participated in the study. DM was assessed using ultrasonography, while FEC, fatigue severity, HRQOL, and fatigue symptoms were evaluated using the 6-Minute Walking Test (6-MWT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Cerebral Palsy Module (PedsQL 3.0 CP module), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL 3.0-MFS), respectively. Linear correlations, and non-parametric tests were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0, while path analysis was performed using IBM SPSS AMOS version 20.0. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between DM and FEC (right DM: r = 0.85; left DM: r = 0.84), fatigue severity (right DM: r = -0.73; left DM: r = -0.72), the General Fatigue subdomain of the PedsQL 3.0-MFS (right DM: r = 0.66; left DM: r = 0.65), and the Daily Activities (right DM: r = 0.79; left DM: r = 0.80), Movement and Balance (right DM: r = 0.73; left DM: r = 0.73), and Fatigue (right DM: r = 0.83; left DM: r = 0.82) subdomains of the PedsQL CP module Path analysis revealed that DM had significant direct effects on FEC and fatigue severity (β = -0.72, p < 0.001; β = 0.84, p < 0.001) and an indirect effect on PedsQL 3.0-MFS General Fatigue (β = -0.72 ∗ 0.50) through aerobic capacity and fatigue severity. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that specific management strategies, including inspiratory muscle training, respiratory exercises, manual diaphragmatic stretching techniques, and feedback devices, are necessary to address reduced DM in children with CP.
Effect of tailored cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for middle-aged and older adults with visual impairment: A cluster-randomized controlled trial.
Yang E, Hee Lee K, Joo Y
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40514294 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread dissemination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, CPR training for individuals with visual impairment is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide tailored CPR traini...
BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread dissemination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, CPR training for individuals with visual impairment is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide tailored CPR training for older adults with visual impairment and verify its effectiveness. METHODS: A cluster-randomized controlled trial involving six clusters and 35 participants was conducted in February 2023. The intervention group received tailored CPR training with several considerations for visual characteristics, such as video-based training with descriptive video service, a higher instructor-to-participant ratio, braille stickers, educational materials of choice, and booster education two weeks later. The control group received standard video-based training designed for laypeople. CPR knowledge, self-efficacy, and actual performance were evaluated at three time points, and generalized estimating equations were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The intervention and control groups exhibited significant improvements over time in CPR knowledge, self-efficacy, overall CPR quality, and quality of compression, including depth, rate, and accuracy. However, a significant interaction effect between the groups and time was observed in the overall CPR quality, with the intervention group demonstrating more improvement than the control group over time. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the positive effects of tailored CPR training for older adults with visual impairment, underscoring the importance of developing tailored training that considers disability characteristics. The findings also emphasize that CPR training designed for laypeople can help address educational disparities among individuals with visual impairment.
The impact of providing care for stroke survivors on caregiver health and wellbeing: Developing stronger support mechanisms.
Jammal M, Liu KPY, George ES … +1 more , Kolt GS
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40494716 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Informal caregivers (i.e., individuals who provide unpaid care to a family member and/or friend) have a significant role in supporting the recovery and wellbeing of stroke survivors. To ensure adequate and ef...
BACKGROUND: Informal caregivers (i.e., individuals who provide unpaid care to a family member and/or friend) have a significant role in supporting the recovery and wellbeing of stroke survivors. To ensure adequate and effective support, caregivers must also attend to their health and wellbeing. Therefore, research is needed to understand the experiences of informal stroke caregivers to better support their wellbeing and inform intervention development. OBJECTIVE: To understand the experiences of informal stroke caregivers on the impact of caring on caregiver health and wellbeing, and to make recommendations to inform the development of a program to better support caregivers. METHODS: A mixed-methods convergent design was used to understand caregiver experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 informal stroke caregivers in Sydney, Australia, and data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The Occupational Gaps Questionnaire was also administered to participants to explore activity incongruence. RESULTS: All participants identified occupational gaps (range 7-15). Three major themes were identified from interviews: Complexities of caring, Looking after yourself, and Life changes with caring. All caregivers discussed the impact of caregiving on their identity and ability to participate in meaningful activities. Caregivers suggested the importance of developing coping strategies such as engaging in healthy behaviours and prioritising important activities. Participants identified the need for individualised support and education to assist with maintaining the caregiving role. CONCLUSIONS: The caring role can significantly impact on caregiver identity and their ability to engage in meaningful activity. To further support caregivers, future interventions should consider tailored education and individual support.
Healthcare access by disability and race among United States Adults: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2019 to 2021.
Choi J, Castro F, Swenor B … +1 more , Varadaraj V
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40483254 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: National data on ongoing inequities in healthcare access is crucial for setting priorities and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of disability or race, have access to adequate care. OBJECTIVE: To exam...
BACKGROUND: National data on ongoing inequities in healthcare access is crucial for setting priorities and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of disability or race, have access to adequate care. OBJECTIVE: To examine healthcare access by disability and race in the United States. METHODS: Using 2019-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, multivariable logistic regression assessed the association of disability with healthcare access outcomes (absence of healthcare coverage, absence of healthcare provider, >1 year since last checkup, and forgoing healthcare due to cost). RESULTS: Among 1,258,919 adults surveyed, most were female (51.0 %) and non-Hispanic (NH) white (61.0 %), and 28.9 % had a disability. Regression analysis indicated that disabled adults were less likely to lack a healthcare provider (OR = 0.89, 95 % CI = 0.86, 0.91) and less likely to have gone without a recent checkup (OR = 0.90; 95 % CI = 0.88, 0.93), but more likely to forgo healthcare due to cost (OR = 2.33, 95 % CI = 2.26, 2.41), than non-disabled adults. There was no difference in healthcare coverage prevalence by disability status (OR = 1.02, 95 % CI = 0.98, 1.06). When further stratifying by race, difficulties accessing healthcare were most prevalent among those who identified as Hispanic and disabled across all measures. CONCLUSION: Individuals with disabilities, especially those from racial or ethnic minorities, encounter greater barriers to accessing healthcare.
Applying NLP methods to code functional performance in electronic health records using the international classification of functioning, disability, and health.
Marfeo E, Sacco M, Maldonado JC … +4 more , Coale K, Silva RJ, Parks R, Rasch EK
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40442018 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Clinical records often provide information on a person's functioning (activities), reflecting their lived experience of health. Automated extraction using clinical natural language processing (cNLP) can assis...
BACKGROUND: Clinical records often provide information on a person's functioning (activities), reflecting their lived experience of health. Automated extraction using clinical natural language processing (cNLP) can assist providers with clinical decision-making, treatment planning, predicting health outcomes, and informing health care policy. OBJECTIVE: We aim to (1) describe the applicability of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to development of cNLP tools, (2) identify key challenges in application of the ICF, and (3) offer recommendations to improve this process. METHODS: Apply the ICF as a framework to manually annotate free-text electronic health records (EHRs) from the United States (US) Social Security Administration (SSA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center using cNLP tools for each activity domain of the ICF. RESULTS: Conceptual and content issues were encountered within four primary domains: Mobility, Self-Care and Domestic Life, Interpersonal Interactions and Relationships, and Communication and Cognition. Subsequent recommendations for ICF updates were provided. CONCLUSION: Overall, the ICF performed well applied to a use case for which it was not originally developed (SSA disability determination), which assessed its effectiveness, and highlighted both strengths and weaknesses between ICF conceptualizations and documented real-world functioning observations. This work provides a foundation upon which to improve the ICF and integrate it with cNLP models in order to give clinicians, researchers, and policy makers robust informatics tools that quickly identify functioning information for clinical decision and policy making purposes.
Federal policy at a crossroads-Safeguarding the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
Mitra M, McKee M, Turk MA
Disabil Health J · 2025 Jul · PMID 40436690 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Income effects on travel mode choices among people with and without disabilities: Operationalizing the capability approach.
Kwon J
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40425367 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Income helps low-income individuals reduce their reliance on transit and walking and increase car travel. People with disabilities might face challenges in improving their private vehicle access due to disabi...
BACKGROUND: Income helps low-income individuals reduce their reliance on transit and walking and increase car travel. People with disabilities might face challenges in improving their private vehicle access due to disability-related extra costs. OBJECTIVE: This study examines whether income has different impacts on travel mode choice based on disability status, disability type, and level of activity limitations. METHODS: This study used time diary data from the nationally representative American Time Use Survey to estimate the differences in income effects on the likelihood of using public transit, walking, and traveling in private vehicles as drivers or as passengers between working-age adults with and without disabilities. Confounding variables included socioeconomic, demographic, household, and geographic characteristics. RESULTS: Income was associated with a three-percentage-point (95 % CI: 0, 6) higher likelihood of using private vehicles as passengers for people with disabilities. In addition, people with vision disability were 10 percentage points (95 % CI: 4, 16) more likely to travel as passengers when they had more income. In contrast, people without disabilities were equally likely to travel as passengers regardless of income. Whereas people without disabilities were 10 percentage points (95 % CI: 8, 11) more likely to drive when they had more income, income was not associated with a higher likelihood of driving for people with activity-limiting disability. CONCLUSIONS: Income effectively expands transportation options for people with disabilities beyond transit and walking. Personal care assistant programs with high reimbursement rates can ease the financial burden of people with disabilities who pay others to travel as passengers.
Community living policy: Progress, uncertainty, and research to inform paths forward.
Caldwell J, Ne'eman A
Disabil Health J · 2025 Jul · PMID 40413153 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Exploring yoga attitudes and social influences among mothers of autistic children through the theory of planned behavior.
Swarup G, Andreae S, Pickett K … +1 more , Columna L
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40404488 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Mothers of autistic children face physiological and psychological health concerns and encounter significant barriers to engaging in health-enhancing behaviors. While yoga may improve physical and emotional we...
BACKGROUND: Mothers of autistic children face physiological and psychological health concerns and encounter significant barriers to engaging in health-enhancing behaviors. While yoga may improve physical and emotional well-being in parents with children with disabilities, research on yoga programs designed specifically for mothers of autistic children remains limited. Developing accessible and motivating yoga interventions requires an understanding of attitudes toward yoga within this population. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes of mothers of autistic children toward yoga and investigate how yoga was perceived within their social environment. METHODS: The Theory of Planned Behavior guided this descriptive-qualitative study, in which participants were mothers (N = 12) of autistic children aged 3-22 years. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using line-by-line thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three major themes were constructed: (1) Positive beginnings with yoga; (2) Yoga's impact on holistic well-being; and (3) Influence of social circles on yoga attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers expressed positive attitudes towards yoga, influenced by their past experiences and perceived benefits. Yoga was positively regarded within mothers' social networks, which reinforced their attitudes. Despite positive attitudes and supportive subjective norms, most mothers were not actively practicing yoga. This suggests the need to explore potential barriers, which may restrict mothers' participation in yoga.
Examine a factor structure for the World Health Organization quality of life measure among adults with ADL limitations in underserved neighborhoods in the United States.
Suzuki R, Kim W, Parker S … +1 more , Meade MA
Disabil Health J · 2025 Oct · PMID 40399190 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The extent of the impact of Activity of daily living (ADL) limitations on Quality of Life is well documented. However, the validity of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) rarely...
BACKGROUND: The extent of the impact of Activity of daily living (ADL) limitations on Quality of Life is well documented. However, the validity of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) rarely focuses of residents living in underserved settings and on minority inclusion. OBJECTIVE: to examine the structural validity of WHOQOL-BREF among adults with long-term ADL limitations residing in underserved communities. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of patients from underserved communities in the Midwestern United States was conducted between March 2019 and February 2021. Inclusion criteria included a minimum age of 19 years, ADL limitations for more than 5 years, English proficiency, and residence in the targeted zip code areas. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure of the WHOQOL-BREF. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10 was used to identify individuals with ADL limitations. RESULTS: A total of 290 people met the criteria. Four latent factors were extracted. However, compared to the original conceptual relationships between variables and latent factors, Physical health to leisure activities, social relationships to self-satisfaction, and environmental health to acceptance of body appearance were additional leadings beyond their conceptual group. This CFA final model fit the data well (ꭓ2 (df = 228) = 320.30, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.06; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscored the need for accessible environments in their communities. In addition, supportive intra- and interpersonal relationships are needed to improve the QOL for adults with long-term ADL limitations.
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