Disability & Health Data: 1 in 4 US Adults Have a Disability | CDC 2024 Update

More than 70 million adults in the United States – over one in four – reported having a disability in 2022, according to newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The figures, drawn from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), offer a detailed snapshot of disability prevalence across states and demographic groups, and highlight emerging concerns around the intersection of disability and Long COVID.

Disability Prevalence: A Broad View

The updated Disability and Health Data System (DHDS) provides state-level data, allowing for granular examination of health and demographic factors related to disability. The overall prevalence of 43.9% was observed among adults aged 65 and older, significantly higher than other age groups. Examining racial and ethnic groups, American Indian or Alaska Native adults (38.7%) and those identifying as Other/Multirace (38.7%) reported the highest rates of disability. These figures underscore that disability is a widespread experience, woven into the fabric of communities across the country.

The CDC offers state-specific profile fact sheets, providing a localized overview of disability statistics and characteristics. These profiles can be accessed through the DHDS website, offering a detailed appear at the disability landscape within each state.

Long COVID and Disability: A Concerning Link

A particularly noteworthy finding from the 2022 BRFSS data is the increased prevalence of Long COVID symptoms among individuals with disabilities. Long COVID, defined as symptoms lasting three months or longer after an initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, was reported by 10.8% of people with disabilities, compared to 6.6% of those without disabilities. This suggests a potential heightened vulnerability to prolonged health consequences following a COVID-19 infection within the disability community.

The CDC notes that individuals with disabilities may be at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses due to underlying medical conditions, living arrangements (such as congregate settings), and systemic health inequities. This finding reinforces the need for targeted public health interventions and support for people with disabilities during respiratory virus seasons.

Understanding the BRFSS and DHDS Data

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a crucial source of health-related data, conducting telephone surveys across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. Territories. With over 400,000 adult interviews conducted annually, BRFSS is the largest continuously running health survey system globally. The DHDS leverages this data, alongside other sources, to provide a comprehensive picture of disability and health.

The 2022 BRFSS data incorporated novel indicators, including an assessment of Long COVID experiences, based on questions added to the survey. The definitions of existing indicators, such as current e-cigarette use and cancer history, were updated to reflect changes in the 2022 BRFSS questionnaire. These updates ensure the data remains current and relevant to evolving public health concerns.

What Does This Mean for Public Health?

These findings highlight the importance of inclusive public health practices and the need to address the unique health needs of people with disabilities. Disability is not simply a health outcome, but rather a part of the human experience, encompassing variations in hearing, vision, mobility, cognitive function, self-care, and independent living. Recognizing this diversity is crucial for developing effective health interventions.

The CDC is actively collaborating with partners to enhance disability representation in public health data, particularly during emergencies. This includes improving the inclusion of disability information in emergency department surveillance and streamlining data reporting from local health agencies. These efforts aim to strengthen the nation’s ability to detect, monitor, and respond to the health and well-being of people with disabilities during public health crises.

Vaccination Remains Key

Despite the emergence of Long COVID and ongoing health challenges, the CDC continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination as the primary defense against severe COVID-19 outcomes. Current recommendations advise vaccination for all eligible individuals to reduce the risk of hospitalization, severe illness, and death.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Data and Response

The CDC’s commitment to enhancing disability representation in public health data is an ongoing process. Future efforts will focus on refining data collection methods, improving data accuracy, and expanding the range of indicators tracked. This will enable a more nuanced understanding of the health experiences of people with disabilities and inform the development of targeted interventions.

As the nation approaches the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, these data serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for disability inclusion and equity. By investing in data-driven strategies and collaborative partnerships, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable public health system for all.