Access to Preventive Services for Working-Age Adults with Physical Limitations

Publication date: Available online 20 June 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Gilbert Gimm, Elizabeth Wood, Preeti Zanwar
ObjectiveTo examine differences in access to preventive services for working-age adults with physical limitations, non-physical limitations, and no limitations.DesignObservational data were pooled across calendar years 2003-2012 from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a nationally representative survey of non-institutionalized U.S. adults.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsWorking-age adults (18-64 years of age) who responded to all five rounds in MEPS during 2003 through 2012. The analytic sample included 75,145 respondents.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresBlood pressure checks, flu shots, and dental visits, in the past 12 months.ResultsMultivariate analyses showed that adults with physical limitations were more likely to receive a blood pressure check (92.2% vs. 69.6%, p<.001) or flu shot (39.7% vs. 23.4%, p<.001) compared to adults with no limitations. However, those with physical limitations were less likely to have a dental check-up (44.7% vs. 59.4%, p<.001) in comparison to those with no limitation. Having a usual source of care increased the odds of receiving preventive services.ConclusionsThe study has implications for providers and policymakers. Policies that support the adequacy of provider networks and continuity with a usual source of care may increase the use of preventive services in adults with physical limitations.



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