Health disparities persist for adults with developmental disabilities: NHIS insights, 1999-2018

This study assesses changes in self-reported health and healthcare status among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) over the past 20 years, utilizing data from the National Health Interview Survey. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 601 464 adults 18 and older, categorized by disability status: no functional limitations, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and other functional limitations. We aimed to identify trends in health status, healthcare access, affordability, and utilization from 1999 to 2018, comparing outcomes across disability groups. Results indicate adults with intellectual disabilities reported poorer health compared to those without functional limitations, particularly in the most recent period (2014-2018). Adults with developmental disabilities exhibited increased odds of poor health during 2009-2013 compared to 1999-2003, but no significant differences occurred between other periods. Additionally, poverty rates for adults with I/DD were higher, with a substantial proportion of adults with intellectual disabilities living in poverty compared to those without functional limitations, indicating persistent disparities without significant trend improvements. Despite advancements in healthcare access and affordability, self-reported health outcomes for adults with I/DD have not improved, highlighting the need for policies to enhance care quality. Future research should focus on effective healthcare practices and provider training to address these persistent disparities.