Trends in medical conditions and functioning in the U.S. population, 1997-2017

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sociology

Background:

• Federal disability rolls experienced substantial growth over decades, influenced by demographics, policies, and disability prevalence.
• Recent trends indicate a slowdown in the growth of disability beneficiaries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine changes in the prevalence of disabling conditions among working-age adults over the past two decades.
• To assess shifts in functional limitations among individuals with these conditions over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized nationally representative data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
• Documented population trends since 1997 for chronic conditions and functional limitations in adult disability beneficiaries.
• Employed regression-adjusted analyses to identify changes.

Main Results:

• Increased prevalence of obesity, endocrine conditions, and neoplasms observed in the U.S. population.
• Declines in hearing and vision limitations contrasted with increases in cognitive, social, and movement limitations.
• Evidence suggests condition and limitation reporting is countercyclical with the business cycle.

Conclusions:

• Observed changes in condition prevalence and functional limitations partially align with trends in federal disability rolls.
• Rising social limitations may reflect increasing social isolation in the U.S.