摘要：We analyzed data from 2075 respondents to the disability supplement of the 2001 Washington State Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey to describe population prevalence of secondary conditions among adults with disabilities. Eighty-seven percent of respondents with disabilities and 49% without disabilities reported at least 1 secondary condition. Adjusted odds ratios for disability for 14 of 16 conditions were positive and significant. The association of disability with substantial disparities in common conditions shows a need for increased access to general and targeted prevention interventions to improve health. One in 5 Americans reports disability or limitation in major life activities because of physical, mental, or emotional conditions lasting 6 or more months. 1 Disability is increasing as the population ages with chronic conditions and more young people survive birth- and injuryrelated limitations. 2 People with disabilities are at risk for “secondary conditions,” preventable physical, mental, and social disorders resulting directly or indirectly from an initial disabling condition. 3– 5 There is agreement that prevention of secondary conditions should be a major component of health promotion for people with disabilities. 3, 5 What is known about the prevalence of these conditions comes from clinical studies of patients and convenience samples. 6, 7 This article reports the first effort to collect data on population prevalence and impact of common secondary conditions.
