Health of community-dwelling adults with mobility limitations in the United States: prevalent health conditions. Part I

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the extent and types of prevalent health conditions among nationally representative groups of adults with mobility, nonmobility, and no limitations.

Design: Data were collected during 5 rounds of household interviews from a probability subsample of households that represent the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population. With some exceptions, round 1 variables were used for this analysis.

Setting: Community.

Participants: Data were analyzed on the same respondents from the 1996 to 1997 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and the 1995 National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplement. Respondents were categorized into 3 groups for analysis: those with mobility limitations, nonmobility limitations; and no limitations. The analytic sample included 13,897 MEPS adults (> or =18y).

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main outcome measures: Number, types, and prevalence of self-reported health conditions compared across groups.

Results: On average, adults with mobility limitations had significantly more prevalent conditions (3.6) than those with nonmobility limitations (2.4), or no limitations (1.3). Greater comorbidity existed in the context of fewer personal resources and more than half of adults with mobility limitations were working age.

Conclusions: Determining factors that influence the health of adults with mobility limitations is a critical public health issue.