Better Preventive Health Needed for NH Adults with Mobility Disabilities
6 in 10 NH adults with mobility disabilities report their health as fair or poor. Access to health promotion programs and preventive health care is needed to improve their health.
"It's hard to get a doctor to listen and not just assume I'm in pain because I have a chronic condition and disability... Preventive care could be made better by expanding access."
- Ansley, NH resident with a mobility disability
![scale](/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_480px/public/media/2021-12/scale.jpeg?itok=oTS6X28o)
Half (5 in 10) are obese
![weight](/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_480px/public/media/2021-12/weight.jpeg?itok=yx0XL4Ej)
Half (5 in 10) report no physical activity
![5 in 10 wheel chairs](/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_480px/public/media/2021-12/disability.jpeg?itok=xIkITCXx)
![doctor visit](/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_480px/public/media/2021-12/doctor-visit.jpeg?itok=pto0sWUu)
1 in 10
have not seen a primary care provider in 1 year or more
![flu shot](/sites/default/files/styles/max_width_480px/public/media/2021-12/flu-shot.jpeg?itok=0VCAJ7Nz)
Half (5 in 10)
have not had a flu vaccine in the last year
"I think preventive health care is important, [but] sometimes I think that doctors don't know what to do with me."
- Caitlin, NH resident with a mobility disability
Strategies to Improve Preventive Health for NH Adults with Mobility Disabilities:
- Assess health promotion sites for physical accessibility, listen to patients' concerns, and make necessary changes;
- Adapt physical activity and nutrition programs to make sure they are accessible for people with mobility disabilities;
- Educate people with mobility disabilities about the importance of preventive health care and healthy behaviors;
- Recruit people with mobility disabilities into existing health programs by partnering with local organizations;
- Contact the NH Disability & Public Health Project with questions or for technical assistance.
DOWNLOAD THE DATA BRIEF HERE.
Data source: 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
This content is solely the responsibility of the NH Disability & Public Health Project and does not necessarily represent the views of the CDC or US DHHS.