Research has recently suggested that the number of individuals who report having some type of disability is increasing. Research has also reported that individuals with disabilities encounter a variety of barriers to health promotion and disease prevention programming in comparison to individuals without disabilities. This study used nationally representative data, the 2006 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS), to examine whether disability is associated with higher prevalence rates for common chronic diseases, lower use of preventive care and higher health care expenditures. The data found suggests that adults with disabilities and chronic conditions receive significantly fewer preventive services and have poorer health status than individuals without disabilities who have the same health conditions. This indicates a need for public health interventions that address the unique characteristics of adults with disabilities.

To read this article, please go to: http://www.ncpad.org/research/fact_sheet.php?sheet=896