Access to Preventive Services for Working-Age Adults With Physical Limitations.

OBJECTIVE

To examine differences in access to preventive services for working-age adults with physical limitations, nonphysical limitations, and no limitations.

DESIGN

Observational data were pooled across calendar years 2003 through 2012 from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a nationally representative survey of noninstitutionalized U.S. adults.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

Working-age adults (N=75,145; age range, 18-64y) who responded to all 5 rounds of the MEPS during 2003 through 2012.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Blood pressure checks, flu shots, and dental visits, in the last 12 months.

RESULTS

Multivariate analyses showed that adults with physical limitations were more likely to receive a blood pressure check (92.2% vs 69.6%, respectively; P<.001) or flu shot (39.7% vs 23.4%, respectively; P<.001) than adults with no limitations. However, those with physical limitations were less likely to have a dental checkup (44.7% vs 59.4%, respectively; P<.001) than those with no limitation. Having a usual source of care increased the odds of receiving preventive services.

CONCLUSIONS

The study has implications for providers and policymakers. Policies that support the adequacy of provider networks and continuity with a usual source of care may increase the use of preventive services in adults with physical limitations.