Disability-related Heath Disparities and Their Policy Implications

Abstract

This article examined healthcare disparities between disabled and non-disabled individuals across different health indicators, such as lifestyle behaviors, chronic and acute disease management, and avoidable mortality. We found that disabled individuals had higher rates of physical inactivity and obesity, with the disparities with non-disabled individuals widening over time. Disabled individuals also had lower rates of general health checkups, which may lead to delayed disease detection. In terms of chronic disease management, the proportion of disabled individuals with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension increased, along with wider gaps in preventable hospitalizations for these conditions. Significant disparities were observed in acute disease treatment and follow-up care between disabled and non-disabled individuals. While the gap in treatable and preventable deaths between the two groups has decreased, disabled individuals still face a higher risk of death from treatable causes. Overall, there is a need for proactive policies to address these disparities and promote the health and rights of disabled individuals.