COVID-19 Pandemic Worsened Cardiovascular Screening Disparities for Adults with Disabilities

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing healthcare access disparities for adults with disabilities, leading to a significant decline in cardiovascular screening rates and a rise in unmet medical needs. The research, conducted by investigators from the University of Delaware and George Mason University, used data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to analyze how the pandemic affected healthcare for this vulnerable population.

Key Findings from the Study

The analysis, which included data from over 150,000 U.S. adults between 2019 and 2023, revealed several critical points:

Overall Decline in Screening: After the pandemic began, screening rates for cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol declined across nearly all disability types, with the exception of sensory disabilities.
Specific Decreases: A significant decline in blood pressure screening was noted for adults with cognitive disabilities. Similarly, a decrease in blood glucose screening was found among individuals with multiple disabilities.
Persistent Barriers: The study found that individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities experienced higher rates of unmet medical needs due to cost compared to those without disabilities. These disparities persisted even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors related to the pandemic.
Pre-existing Inequities: The findings emphasize that while the pandemic disrupted care for everyone, it worsened pre-existing structural barriers in the healthcare system for people with disabilities. These barriers include physical inaccessibility of facilities, communication challenges, and limited provider training.

Implications for Healthcare Professionals

The study provides important insights for healthcare providers, particularly pharmacists and primary care professionals. It underscores the urgent need to address the gaps in preventive cardiovascular screenings for adults with disabilities. The authors suggest that this population often requires increased counseling and targeted preventive efforts to mitigate their heightened risk of developing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. The data serves as a call to action to create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system.