Pub Date : 2025-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101975
Michael M. McKee MD, MPH (Professor,Director of MDisability,Co-Director of Center of Disability Health & Wellness,Co-Editor-in-Chief) , Monika Mitra (Co-Editors-in-Chief,Director,Nancy Lurie Marks Professor of Disability Policy)
{"title":"Healthcare's blind spot—why people with disabilities remain marginalized and overlooked","authors":"Michael M. McKee MD, MPH (Professor,Director of MDisability,Co-Director of Center of Disability Health & Wellness,Co-Editor-in-Chief) , Monika Mitra (Co-Editors-in-Chief,Director,Nancy Lurie Marks Professor of Disability Policy)","doi":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101975","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101975","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49300,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Health Journal","volume":"19 1","pages":"Article 101975"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145453272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-28DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101974
Elizabeth Skidmore, Carolyn Baum, Jessica Kersey, Emily Kringle, Kelsey Voltz-Poremba, Sular Gordon, Tina Harris, Heidi Fischer, Maureen Gecht, Michelle Furman, Joy Hammel
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.
{"title":"Promoting community and social participation in chronic stroke: A pilot study of the ENGAGE intervention.","authors":"Elizabeth Skidmore, Carolyn Baum, Jessica Kersey, Emily Kringle, Kelsey Voltz-Poremba, Sular Gordon, Tina Harris, Heidi Fischer, Maureen Gecht, Michelle Furman, Joy Hammel","doi":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101974","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101974","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We examined the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of ENGAGE and characterized within group changes in community and social participation outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>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).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>ENGAGE appears to be a feasible and promising intervention to promote improvements in community and social participation in community-dwelling survivors of stroke.</p>","PeriodicalId":49300,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"101974"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12643107/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145423313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101972
Hye Jin Nam, Han Nah Park, Sujin Lee, Gyeonga Kang, Ji Hye Shin, Bohye Kim, Ju Young Yoon
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.
{"title":"A systematic review of Photovoice studies on health-promoting behaviors among individuals with disabilities: Insights from the socio-ecological model.","authors":"Hye Jin Nam, Han Nah Park, Sujin Lee, Gyeonga Kang, Ji Hye Shin, Bohye Kim, Ju Young Yoon","doi":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101972","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101972","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Photovoice enables participants to document their lived realities through photography, fostering self-expression and deeper reflection.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Leveraging these strengths, this study aimed to systematically review Photovoice research involving people with disabilities to explore the lived experiences with health-promoting behaviors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":49300,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"101972"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145276416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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.
背景:长期服务和支持(LTSS)包括各种有偿机构和个人护理,占医疗补助支出的近28.3%,各州在家庭和社区服务(HCBS)资格方面存在显著差异。目的:研究居住州和HCBS在机构安置风险方面的支出对特别弱势群体的影响,即具有智力/发育障碍(IDD)的双重资格的非老年人。方法:采用回顾性队列研究,以医疗补助和医疗保险数据为基础,确定机构安置的风险比。我们检查了CMS医疗补助分析提取文件与加利福尼亚州、佛罗里达州、纽约州、俄亥俄州和宾夕法尼亚州相关的2008-2012年医疗保险数据。符合条件的参与者是159,275名年龄在18- 64岁的双重条件成年人,他们生活在社区环境中,持续参加医疗补助计划,并在任何住院、门诊或长期就诊中具有ICD-9 ID代码。结果:在研究参与者中,4.4% (n = 6975)有最终的机构安置要求。机构安置的受试者更有可能是老年人、女性、病情较重,并且对急性、门诊和短期护理有更多的要求。在未调整和调整的分析中,居住在俄亥俄州的人的机构安置风险最高(HR 1.86 [1.70-2.04], P
{"title":"State-based variations in risk of institutional placement among dually eligible non-elderly adults with intellectual / developmental disabilities.","authors":"Sophia Jan, Caren Steinway, Colleen Brensinger, Olivia Teng, Jack Chen, Qing Liu, Justine Shults","doi":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101973","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101973","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>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).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":49300,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"101973"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145314040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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.
{"title":"The excess Medicare costs of long-term medical condition or disability: A longitudinal population-based study of Australian children.","authors":"Kabir Ahmad, Rasheda Khanam, Byron Keating, Syed Afroz Keramat, Rubayyat Hashmi, Enamul Kabir, Hendrik Jürges","doi":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101971","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101971","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>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).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":49300,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"101971"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145309704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101970
Maggie Sheridan, Jensine Clark
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.
{"title":"Shifting perspectives: Mental health and transition to adulthood in youth with cerebral palsy.","authors":"Maggie Sheridan, Jensine Clark","doi":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101970","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101970","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":49300,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"101970"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145309658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101969
Rachel Liu-Galvin , Frank A. Orlando , Arch G. Mainous
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.
{"title":"Association of disability and inflammation: Potential risks to a vulnerable population","authors":"Rachel Liu-Galvin , Frank A. Orlando , Arch G. Mainous","doi":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101969","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101969","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To determine whether individuals with disabilities are more likely to have elevated inflammation compared to those without.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49300,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Health Journal","volume":"19 1","pages":"Article 101969"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145208116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101968
Hugo Bessaguet, Charlotte Coeurdacier De Gesnes, Diana Rimaud, Bruno Fernandez, Pierre Flori, Philippe Berthelot, Marilyne Peyroche, Yann Boulon, Ahmed Adham, Pascal Giraux, Vincent Gautheron, Rodolphe Charles, Etienne Ojardias
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.
{"title":"Does a one-week disability awareness training influence medical students attitudes? A French mixed-methods study.","authors":"Hugo Bessaguet, Charlotte Coeurdacier De Gesnes, Diana Rimaud, Bruno Fernandez, Pierre Flori, Philippe Berthelot, Marilyne Peyroche, Yann Boulon, Ahmed Adham, Pascal Giraux, Vincent Gautheron, Rodolphe Charles, Etienne Ojardias","doi":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101968","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101968","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>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.</p>","PeriodicalId":49300,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Health Journal","volume":" ","pages":"101968"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145208041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-16DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101967
Elisabeth L. Zeilinger , Theresa Wagner , Amelie Fuchs , Manon Schroeder , Nadine Brunevskaya , Jakob Pietschnig , Pavol Mikula , Matthias Unseld
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.
{"title":"Healthcare disparities in colorectal cancer prevention for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A caregiver perspective","authors":"Elisabeth L. Zeilinger , Theresa Wagner , Amelie Fuchs , Manon Schroeder , Nadine Brunevskaya , Jakob Pietschnig , Pavol Mikula , Matthias Unseld","doi":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101967","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101967","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study explores barriers and facilitators to CRC screening for individuals with IDD from the caregiver perspective.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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) <em>Improving access to inclusive healthcare</em>, highlighting systemic healthcare challenges, inclusive environments, clinician expertise, and health education; (2) <em>Managing IDD-specific challenges</em>, including communication difficulties, reliance on routines, and comorbidities; (3) <em>The critical role of caregiver</em> support, focusing on the empowerment of people with IDD; and (4) <em>Challenging stigma and bridging social gaps</em>, addressing stereotypes and social segregation of people with IDD.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49300,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Health Journal","volume":"19 1","pages":"Article 101967"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-13DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101966
Kirstin E. Yuzwa , Farah Bacchus-Misir , Siobhan Galeazzi-Stirling , Eva Cohen , Peter Athanasopoulos , Sander L. Hitzig , Christine L. Sheppard
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.
{"title":"Social and attitudinal barriers to the provision of accessible housing in Canada: A qualitative study","authors":"Kirstin E. Yuzwa , Farah Bacchus-Misir , Siobhan Galeazzi-Stirling , Eva Cohen , Peter Athanasopoulos , Sander L. Hitzig , Christine L. Sheppard","doi":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101966","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101966","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>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.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>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.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49300,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Health Journal","volume":"19 1","pages":"Article 101966"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145132441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}