Disability and Physical and Communication-Related Barriers to Health Care Related Services Among Florida Residents: A Brief Report

Abstract Background Research has not fully characterized barriers to health care faced by persons with disabilities (PWD) which constitutes a critical gap given the increased risk of chronic illness faced by PWD. Objective To understand the current barriers to seeking health care-related services for PWD in Florida. Methods The study was based on a random-digit-dial telephone interview survey of respondents aged 18 and over (n=1,429). Multivariable logistic regression assessed the relationship between disability and physical and communication barriers. Results One thousand four hundred and twenty-nine Florida residents participated in the survey. Thirty-three percent of respondents (n=471) reported having a disability. PWD were significantly older (mean age 68 vs. 61) and had lower levels of income and education than persons without disabilities (PWOD) (p