Disability Estimates between Same- and Different-Sex Couples: Microdata from the American Community Survey (2009-2011)

Why Public Health Researchers Should Consider Using Disability Data from the American Community Survey

The United States (US) federal government allocates hundreds of billions of dollars to provide resources to Americans with disabilities, older adults, and the poor. The American Community Survey (ACS) influences the distribution of those resources. The specific aim of the project is to introduce health researchers to Public Use Microdata Sample file from 2009 to 2011. The overall goal of our paper is to promote the use of ACS data relevant to disability status. This study provides prevalence estimates of three disability related items for the population at or over the age of 15 years who reside in one of the continental states. When population weights are applied to the 7,198,221 individuals in the sample under analysis, they are said to represent 239,641,088 of their counterparts in the US population. Detailed tabulations by state (provided as Microsoft Excel® spreadsheets in ACS output) clearly show disability prevalence varies from state-to-state. Because analyses of the ACS data have the ability to influence resources aiding individuals with physical mobility challenges, its use should be promoted. Particular attention should be given to monetary allocations which will improve accessibility of the existing built environment for the individuals with mobility impairment.

Sexual orientation differences in functional limitations, disability, and mental health services use: Results from the 2013-2014 National Health Interview Survey

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated sexual orientation differences in risk for mental health morbidity, functional limitations/disability, and mental health services use among adults interviewed in the nationally representative 2013-2014 National Health Interview Survey.

METHOD

Respondents were 68,816 adults (67,152 heterosexual and 1,664 lesbian, gay, and bisexual [LGB] individuals), age 18 and older. Fully structured interviews assessed sexual orientation identity, health status, and services use. Using sex-stratified analyses while adjusting for demographic confounding, the authors compared LGB and heterosexual individuals for evidence of mental health-related impairments and use of mental health services.

RESULTS

LGB adults, as compared to heterosexual adults, demonstrated higher prevalence of mental health morbidity and functional limitations. However, this varied by gender with LGB women evidencing elevated risk for both mental health and substance abuse (MHSA) and non-MHSA limitations. Among men, sexual orientation differences clustered among MHSA-related limitations. Overall, LGB adults were more likely than heterosexual adults to use services, with the source of functional limitations moderating these effects among men.

CONCLUSION

MHSA-related morbidity is a significant concern among LGB individuals and is associated with higher levels of functional limitations/disability. The findings highlight that LGB persons use MHSA-related treatment at higher rates than heterosexuals do, and, among men, are more likely to do so absent MHSA or non-MHSA-related functional limitations. This presents a unique set of concerns within the integrated care setting, including the need to deliver culturally competent care sensitive to the context of probable sex differences among LGB individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record

Comparing women with and without disabilities in five-site "Healthy Weight" interventions for lesbian/bisexual women over 40

BACKGROUND

Lesbian/bisexual women with physical disabilities (LBPD) are an under-studied population.

OBJECTIVES

This study compared LBPD to LB women without physical disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act on socio-demographic variables, health characteristics, and quality of life, physical activity, weight, and nutrition outcomes following a health intervention.

METHODS

Data came from the Healthy Weight in Lesbian and Bisexual Women Study (HWLB) where 376 LB women were recruited into five geographically dispersed interventions. Baseline data were examined to compare women with and without physical disabilities as defined by the ADA, and pre/post intervention data were analyzed for differences in treatment outcomes including quality of life, physical activity, nutrition, and body size.

RESULTS

Compared to women without disability, LBPD were more likely to be bisexual or another sexual identity than lesbian, single, report poor or fair health status, postmenopausal, and had a higher body mass index and waist circumference to height ratio. LBPD women were less likely to work and to drink heavily, and reported reduced physical and mental health quality of life. In spite of these differences, after the intervention, LBPD had similar outcomes to women without disabilities on most measures, and were more likely to show improvements in physical quality of life and consumption of fruits/vegetables.

CONCLUSIONS

Although different from women without disabilities on many socio-demographic and health variables at baseline, the study suggests that LBPD have similar outcomes to women without disabilities, or may even do better, in group health interventions.

Risk for Disability and Poverty Among Central Asians in the United States

Understanding the disability-poverty relationship among minority groups within the United States (US) populations may help inform interventions aimed at reducing health disparities. Limited information exists on risk factors for disability and poverty among "Central Asians" (immigrants born in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian regions of the former Soviet Union) in the US. The current cross-sectional analysis used information on 6,820 Central Asians to identify risk factors for disability and poverty. Data from the 2009-2013 Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) file from the American Community Survey (ACS) indicate that being married, non-Latino-white, and having higher levels of educational attainment are protective against disability and poverty. In contrast, older age, residing in the Middle Atlantic geographic division, and having limited English language ability are risk factors for both disability and poverty. Research should continue to develop risk profiles for understudied immigrant populations. Expanding knowledge on the well-being of Central Asians in the US may help impact public health interventions and inform health policies.