Disparities in Health-Risk Behaviors, Preventive Health Care Utilizations, and Chronic Health Conditions for People With Disabilities: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Objective: To examine how disability status is related with health disparities in South Korea.

Design: The study compared 3 indicators of health (health-risk behaviors, preventive health care utilizations, and chronic health conditions) according to the presence of disabilities using the Third Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005 (KNHANES III).

Setting: We obtained data from the KNHANES III, which is the third nationwide representative study using a stratified, multistage probability sampling design.

Participants: Subjects (N=5475) aged 20 years or older were included in the study; persons with disabilities (n=218) and persons without disabilities (n=5257).

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures: Nonconditional multiple logistic regression and adjusted mean were used to identify health disparities in health-risk behaviors, preventive health care utilizations, and chronic health conditions.

Results: Subjects with disabilities were more likely to be physically inactive (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=3.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71-5.48 for no physical activity; AOR=1.70; 95% CI, 1.19-2.43 for insufficient physical activity) than those without disabilities. Women aged 40 years or older with disabilities were less likely to receive cervical cancer screening services (AOR=0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-0.98). Adults with disabilities had higher proportion of osteoporosis (AOR=2.41; 95% CI, 1.50-3.88), underweight (AOR=2.14; 95% CI, 1.07-4.28), suicidal thoughts (AOR=1.86; 95% CI, 1.35-2.56), and had impaired quality of life (95% CI of adjusted mean, 60.89-65.35 compared to 69.95-70.84 in adults without disabilities).

Conclusions: There exists substantial disability-related health disparities in South Korea. People with disabilities may be the underserved subpopulation demonstrating health disparities. The findings in this study underscore the continued needs in order to reduce health problems and disparities for people with disabilities.