Journal article
Living with disability: Patterns of health problems and symptom mediation of health consequences
Disability and health journal, Vol.5(3), pp.151-158
07/2012
DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2012.03.001
PMID: 22726855
Abstract
People with disability experience a range of symptoms that may serve as an important linkage between disability and other health consequences. The aims of this study were to describe and compare symptom experiences of people with and without disability using a population-based sample and to test direct relationships between disability and health status and indirect effects of disability mediated through symptom experience.
A Midwestern sample of 12,249 adults aged 40 and older responded to a cross-sectional survey. Data collected included symptom prevalence and frequencies for 21 commonly reported symptoms, self-perceived health status and physical functioning, number of medications, and demographic variables. Two mediation analyses were conducted using cumulative symptom frequency as the mediator between disability status and both self-rated health and physical functioning.
Adults with disability reported significantly greater prevalence and frequencies for all 21 symptoms, with pain and fatigue being the most common. The indirect effect through cumulative symptom frequency explained roughly half of the total effect of disability on general health status, and about one third of the total effect of disability on physical functioning.
This study found evidence supporting the diverse and significant symptom experience of people living with disability, especially for symptoms of pain and fatigue. Moreover, symptom experience was found to partially mediate the effects of disability on self-reported general health status and physical functioning. This provides support for symptoms serving as an important link to health outcomes in patients with disability.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Living with disability: Patterns of health problems and symptom mediation of health consequences
- Creators
- Brandon J Patterson - Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, IAWilliam R Doucette - Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, IAScott D Lindgren - Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IAElizabeth A Chrischilles - Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Disability and health journal, Vol.5(3), pp.151-158
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.dhjo.2012.03.001
- PMID
- 22726855
- ISSN
- 1936-6574
- eISSN
- 1876-7583
- Grant note
- 1 U18 HS016094-01 / Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 1 R01 DD000107-01 / Centers for Disease Control
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/2012
- Academic Unit
- Pharmacy; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Epidemiology; Pharmacy Practice and Science
- Record Identifier
- 9983995017502771
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