Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2025

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Disability and COVID-19: Challenges, testing, vaccination, and postponement and avoidance of medical care among
Haley R Martin1, Nan Hu2, Qingyun Liu1
1Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC5, Miami, FL, 33199, United States.
Background:
People with disabilities face heightened vulnerability to COVID-19.
Objective:
This study investigated (1) the relationships between disability and COVID-19-related challenges, testing, vaccination, and infection and (2) predictors of loss of healthcare coverage and postponement and avoidance of medical care during the pandemic.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Miami, Florida, between March 2021 and February 2022 as part of the NIH Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations initiative. Disability was defined using a standard measure that assesses six universal functions. Participants reported sociodemographic data, COVID-19 testing, infection history, challenges, and healthcare history. Vaccinations were confirmed with medical records and COVID-19 positivity was assessed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses included multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
Among 1,689 participants with a median age of 57.0, 50.6% were male, and 48.9% were non-Hispanic Black. Disability was associated with greater odds of all assessed COVID-19 challenges: healthcare (aOR:1.60; 95% CI:1.23-2.07), housing (aOR:2.15; 95% CI:1.62-2.87), insufficient food (aOR:1.97; 95% CI:1.54-2.52), water scarcity (aOR:2.33; 95% CI:1.60-3.37), medications (aOR:2.04; 95% CI:1.51-2.77), and transportation (aOR:2.56; 95% CI:1.95-3.36). Those reporting employment disability were less likely to have received COVID-19 testing (81.1% vs. 85.3%, p = 0.026) or to have history of COVID-19 positivity (aOR:0.63; 95% CI:0.44-0.92). Disability predicted avoidance (aOR:2.76; 95% CI:1.95-3.91) and postponement (aOR: 2.24; 95% CI:1.72-2.91) of medical care.
Conclusions:
Disability is associated with higher odds of COVID-19 challenges and postponement and avoidance of medical care. Those reporting employment disability had a lower likelihood of COVID-19 testing. Public health responses to healthcare crises should prioritize the special challenges of people living with disabilities.
Related Concept Videos
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...

