Research

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10 pages, 4504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Installation of Facilities for People with Disabilities in Dental Institutions of Chungbuk, South Korea

by Sun-ju Kim and Jin-sun Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10425; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph181910425 - 03 Oct 2021

Viewed by 1493

Abstract

To maintain the oral health and ability to smoothly receive dental treatment of people with disabilities, their accessibility to dental institutions must be enforced. Hence, this study aimed to assess the status of installation of convenience facilities for people with disabilities in dental [...] Read more.

To maintain the oral health and ability to smoothly receive dental treatment of people with disabilities, their accessibility to dental institutions must be enforced. Hence, this study aimed to assess the status of installation of convenience facilities for people with disabilities in dental institutions in Chungbuk Province, South Korea. According to the checklist based on installation items for convenience facilities for people with disabilities, 245 dental institutions in Chungbuk Province were visited and investigated to examine whether they had installed internal, intermediary, sanitary, and information-related facilities for people with disabilities. Inputs were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Frequency analysis by item was conducted to determine the rate of installation, and Fisher’s exact test was performed to analyze the actual state of installation according to the type of institution. The results revealed a relatively higher rate of appropriate installation and access routes to the main entrance and parking spaces for people with disabilities in terms of intermediary and internal facilities, but at times they were installed at inappropriate locations or lacked proper signboards. The state of installation of convenience facilities by institution type was 0–1.3% per item at the clinic level but 75–87.5% per item in general and dental hospitals (p < 0.001). Insufficient government management and supervision at clinic-level dental institutions lead to limited scope for regulating the installation of convenience facilities. Better laws, with continued support and supervision of central and local governments, are needed to resolve this issue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Healthcare Disparities)

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9 pages, 555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ten-Year Trend Analysis of Mortality Due to External Causes of Injury in People with Disabilities, South Korea, 2008–2017

by Ye-Soon Kim, Sooyoung Kwon and Seung Hee Ho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3672; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18073672 - 01 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1725

Abstract

External causes of injury are major contributors to mortality among people with disabilities. We analyzed the 10-year trend (2008–2017) of mortality attributed to external causes of injury among people with disabilities. We conducted an observational, population-based, retrospective, cross-sectional study among people with disabilities [...] Read more.

External causes of injury are major contributors to mortality among people with disabilities. We analyzed the 10-year trend (2008–2017) of mortality attributed to external causes of injury among people with disabilities. We conducted an observational, population-based, retrospective, cross-sectional study among people with disabilities in South Korea. The database was compiled by merging two data sets: registered people with disabilities during 2008–2017 from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the data published by the Korea National Statistical Office. Between 2008 and 2017, the all-cause mortality among people with disabilities showed a rising trend and increased from 2641 per 100,000 in 2008 to 2751 per 100,000 in 2017. During this 10-year period, 6.5–9.2% of the total number of deaths were caused by injuries. Disabilities that were associated with a high crude mortality rate shared the same three most frequent causes of death: suicide, motor vehicle crashes, and falling. Mortality due to external causes of injury increased among older people with disabilities. Thus, effective strategies are required to decrease preventable deaths caused by unintentional injuries among people with disabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Healthcare Disparities)

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16 pages, 421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diseases Costs and Impact of the Caring Role on Informal Carers of Children with Neuromuscular Disease

by Alicia Aurora Rodríguez, Óscar Martínez, Imanol Amayra, Juan Francisco López-Paz, Mohammad Al-Rashaida, Esther Lázaro, Patricia Caballero, Manuel Pérez, Sarah Berrocoso, Maitane García, Paula María Luna, Paula Pérez-Núñez and Nicole Passi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2991; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18062991 - 15 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2541

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the costs of informal care for children with neuromuscular disease and evaluate how physical and psychological health is associated with socio-demographic variables. A cross sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 110 carers that participated in [...] Read more.

This study aims to evaluate the costs of informal care for children with neuromuscular disease and evaluate how physical and psychological health is associated with socio-demographic variables. A cross sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 110 carers that participated in this study. Participants were recruited from Spanish hospitals and rare diseases organizations. Economic costs and sociodemographic aspects were assessed using the economic costs questionnaire and the sociodemographic questionnaire. Physical and psychological health was evaluated using the CarerQol-7D, PHQ-15, Barthel Index, Zarit Overload Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Carers of children with neuromuscular disease spent a large percentage of their annual income in physical therapy, psychological care and speech therapy. Informal costs differed according to the degree of dependency of the child. These were higher in those caregivers whose child under their care presented low functional independence. The loss of work productivity was related to marital status, use of professional services and the child’s dependency. Finally, carers who were female, single or separated and without a job showed worse physical and psychological health. The results highlighted that carers have to face a number of high costs because of the non-existence of social protection and due to the child’s diagnosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Healthcare Disparities)

14 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disparities in Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services at the Intersection of Disability and Female Adolescence in Tanzania

by Virpi Mesiäislehto, Hisayo Katsui and Richard Sambaiga

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1657; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18041657 - 09 Feb 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6148

Abstract

Despite at times having greater needs for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, adolescents with disabilities often face challenges when trying to access them. This inaccessibility is further exacerbated during female adolescence. The qualitative study examines how SRH services respond to the characteristics [...] Read more.

Despite at times having greater needs for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, adolescents with disabilities often face challenges when trying to access them. This inaccessibility is further exacerbated during female adolescence. The qualitative study examines how SRH services respond to the characteristics of Tanzanian adolescent females with disabilities. We used the method of empathy-based stories to investigate the perceptions of 136 adolescent females with disabilities of their access to SRH services in Tanzania. The study used thematic content analysis and the Levesque model of health care access was applied as an analytical framework. The results demonstrate that discrimination affects access at different phases of care-seeking, that affectionate behaviour of providers is a central enabler of access, and that for this population access relies on a collective effort. We propose that affection, as an enabler of access, is as an additional provider dimension of access to SRH services for adolescents with disabilities, serving as a “reasonable accommodation” to the health care systems in southern contexts and beyond. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Healthcare Disparities)

14 pages, 350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Cultural Measurement Invariance of a Measure of Disability for White, Black, Hispanic and Asian Older Adults

by Keith T. Chan, Carl Algood, Andreana Prifti and Tarek Zidan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1401; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18041401 - 03 Feb 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2477

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to determine the cross-cultural measurement equivalence of the Washington Group General Measure of Disability for older adults. Materials and Methods: This study used the 2012 California Health Interview Survey. The sample included 14,115 non-Hispanic White, Black, Hispanic and Asian [...] Read more.

Introduction: This study aims to determine the cross-cultural measurement equivalence of the Washington Group General Measure of Disability for older adults. Materials and Methods: This study used the 2012 California Health Interview Survey. The sample included 14,115 non-Hispanic White, Black, Hispanic and Asian adults aged 65 and older. Analysis was conducted using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), parallel and Tau-equivalent tests. Results: The results indicated that the measure was valid for use with older adults (Satorra Bentler χ² = 13.27, df = 3, p = 0.005, GFI = 0.996). Multi-group CFA indicated comparisons were valid between Whites with Blacks, and Hispanics with Asians. Cognitive disability was associated with independent living disability for Whites and Blacks, and with sensory disability for Hispanics and Asians. Conclusions: Findings indicated the measure is valid for cross-cultural comparison for certain racial/ethnic groups. Further research is needed to understand differences in associations of cognitive decline with other areas of disability for older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Healthcare Disparities)

13 pages, 374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

‘I Waited for It until Forever’: Community Barriers to Accessing Intellectual Disability Services for Children and Their Families in Cape Town, South Africa

by Siyabulela Mkabile and Leslie Swartz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8504; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17228504 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3139

Abstract

Background: Intellectual disability is more common in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Stigma and discrimination have contributed to barriers to people with intellectual disability accessing healthcare. As part of a larger study on caregiving of children with intellectual disability in [...] Read more.

Background: Intellectual disability is more common in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Stigma and discrimination have contributed to barriers to people with intellectual disability accessing healthcare. As part of a larger study on caregiving of children with intellectual disability in urban Cape Town, South Africa, we interviewed a sub-group of families who had never used the intellectual disability services available to them, or who had stopped using them. Methods: We employed a qualitative research design and conducted semi-structured interviews to explore the views and perspectives of parents and caregivers of children with intellectual disability who are not using specialised hospital services. We developed an interview guide to help explore caregivers’ and parents’ views. Results: Results revealed that caregivers and parents of children with intellectual disability did not use the intellectual disability service due to financial difficulties, fragile care networks and opportunity costs, community stigma and lack of safety, lack of faith in services and powerlessness at effecting changes and self-stigmatisation. Conclusion: Current findings highlight a need for increased intervention at community level and collaboration with community-based projects to facilitate access to services, and engagement with broader issues of social exclusion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Healthcare Disparities)

Review

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24 pages, 1174 KiB

Open AccessReview

by Tiago S. Jesus, Sutanuka Bhattacharjya, Christina Papadimitriou, Yelena Bogdanova, Jacob Bentley, Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla, Sureshkumar Kamalakannan and The Refugee Empowerment Task Force, International Networking Group of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6178; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18126178 - 08 Jun 2021

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 12274

Abstract

People with disabilities may be disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We synthesize the literature on broader health and social impacts on people with disabilities arising from lockdown-related measures. Methods: Scoping review with thematic analysis. Up to mid-September 2020, seven scientific databases and [...] Read more.

People with disabilities may be disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We synthesize the literature on broader health and social impacts on people with disabilities arising from lockdown-related measures. Methods: Scoping review with thematic analysis. Up to mid-September 2020, seven scientific databases and three pre-print servers were searched to identify empirical or perspective papers addressing lockdown-related disparities experienced by people with disabilities. Snowballing searches and experts’ consultation also occurred. Two independent reviewers took eligibility decisions and performed data extractions. Results: Out of 1026 unique references, 85 addressed lockdown-related disparities experienced by people with disabilities. Ten primary and two central themes were identified: (1) Disrupted access to healthcare (other than for COVID-19); (2) Reduced physical activity leading to health and functional decline; (3) From physical distance and inactivity to social isolation and loneliness; (4) Disruption of personal assistance and community support networks; (5) Children with disabilities disproportionally affected by school closures; (6) Psychological consequences of disrupted routines, activities, and support; (7) Family and informal caregiver burden and stress; (8) Risks of maltreatment, violence, and self-harm; (9) Reduced employment and/or income exacerbating disparities; and (10) Digital divide in access to health, education, and support services. Lack of disability-inclusive response and emergency preparedness and structural, pre-pandemic disparities were the central themes. Conclusions: Lockdown-related measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic can disproportionally affect people with disabilities with broader impact on their health and social grounds. Lack of disability-inclusive response and emergency preparedness and pre-pandemic disparities created structural disadvantages, exacerbated during the pandemic. Both structural disparities and their pandemic ramifications require the development and implementation of disability-inclusive public health and policy measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Healthcare Disparities)

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17 pages, 816 KiB

Open AccessReview

Health Risks and Consequences of a COVID-19 Infection for People with Disabilities: Scoping Review and Descriptive Thematic Analysis

by Sureshkumar Kamalakannan, Sutanuka Bhattacharjya, Yelena Bogdanova, Christina Papadimitriou, Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla, Jacob Bentley, Tiago S. Jesus and Refugee Empowerment Task Force, International Networking Group of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4348; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18084348 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6815

Abstract

This study aims to synthesize the literature on any disproportionate health risks or consequences of a COVID-19 infection for people with disabilities. Scoping review with a descriptive thematic analysis was carried out. Up to mid-September 2020, seven scientific databases and three preprint servers [...] Read more.

This study aims to synthesize the literature on any disproportionate health risks or consequences of a COVID-19 infection for people with disabilities. Scoping review with a descriptive thematic analysis was carried out. Up to mid-September 2020, seven scientific databases and three preprint servers were searched to identify empirical or perspective papers. Snowballing searches and expert’ consultations also took place. Two independent reviewers were used for the screenings and data extractions. Of 1027 references, 58 were included, 15 of which were empirical articles. The thematic analysis showed that: (1) People with disabilities living in residential or long-term care facilities were more likely to have greater infection rates; (2) Intersecting mediators of greater infection risks were multiple (e.g., lack of accessible information); (3) People with disabilities often face greater health problems when infected; and (4) Unethical disadvantages in the rationing of lifesaving and critical care can be experienced by people with disabilities. Conclusions: Beyond any health-related vulnerabilities (e.g., comorbidity rates), multiple yet modifiable environmental factors can provide disproportionate health risks and consequences of a COVID-19 infection for people with disabilities. Public health and policy measures must prevent or reduce modifiable environmental risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Healthcare Disparities)

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