Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
09:18
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
10.8K
Proximity to Healthcare Services Among Individuals With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Shiny Thomas1, Treeva A Jaff2, Kristin M Conway3
1Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York.
AJPM Focus
|January 6, 2026
Summary
Individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy face long travel times for healthcare, with median roundtrip drive times exceeding 1.5 hours. This travel burden disproportionately affects younger non-Hispanic White individuals and other race/ethnicity groups.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Public Health
- Healthcare Access
Background:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe genetic disorder requiring regular medical care.
- Access to healthcare facilities can be challenging for individuals with chronic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze travel time from residence to healthcare facilities for individuals with DMD.
- To identify factors influencing travel duration for clinical care.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 302 males with DMD, born between 2000 and 2015, was studied.
- Geocoded addresses were used to estimate travel times for healthcare visits.
- Travel times were calculated for both driving and public transit.
Main Results:
- A total of 7,546 provider visits and 6,064 unique facility visits were recorded.
- The median roundtrip driving time to facilities exceeded 1.5 hours.
- Median one-way public transit time averaged 1.9 hours.
- Longest travel times were observed in younger individuals and specific racial/ethnic groups.
Conclusions:
- Long travel times to clinical care present a significant burden for some individuals with DMD.
- Further research is warranted to understand the full impact of travel on healthcare access for this population.
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