Snapshot of health-related behaviours in adults living with disabilities 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis survey aimed to assess the status of a range of health-related behaviours 1 year after the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic in adults living with disabilities comparative with those with no disabilities.DesignThis cross-sectional study reports findings from an online survey conducted in March 2021. Mann-Whitney U and Χ2 tests were used to compare a range of health behaviours including time spent self-isolating, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise frequency and diet in adults with and without disabilities.SettingA convenience sample of UK adults was recruited through the researchers’ personal and professional networks including UK-based sight loss sector charities, social media platforms and professional forums.ParticipantsA total of 123 UK participants completed the survey.Outcome measuresCOVID-19 diagnosis, time spent self-isolating, alcohol consumption frequency, exercise frequency, change in smoking habit and eating habits.ResultsNo significant differences were found in alcohol consumption, smoking, water intake, breakfast, or fruit and vegetable intake. There were statistically significant differences in the time spent self-isolating (U=2061, p=0.001), exercise frequency (U=1171.5, p=0.005) and the amount of food eaten (χ2 (2)=9.60, p=0.008, Cramer’s V=0.281). Although the majority in both groups reported exercising three to four times per week and eating what they should, those with disabilities were more likely to eat less than they should, not exercise at all and to have been self-isolating for over 6 months than participants with no disabilities.ConclusionsThe data in this study present some key differences between the two groups, with those living with disabilities being more likely to report that they had been self-isolating for prolonged periods of time, not exercising at all, and not eating as much as they should . This raises concerns for the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Social Isolation among Adults with Physical Disabilities Living in Canada and The Netherlands

“…We found large differences in PA levels between Canadian and Dutch participants (163 min vs. 934 min of PA). PA levels of the Canadian participants were generally low, but comparable to findings from other studies on measured self-reported PA among people with physical disabilities [9,10,13,45]. In contrast, PA levels of Dutch participants were high compared to other Dutch studies on self-reported PA among people with physical disabilities and/or chronic diseases [46][47][48].…”

“…Although the prevalence of increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic was lower in our samples, the percentage of participants reporting to have increased their alcohol consumption during the pandemic is still worrisome. They do partly overlap with findings from the UK [45] and emphasize the need to develop multiple lifestyle programs and interventions to support PWD, but also people without disabilities in starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and after the pandemic.…”

“…In a study conducted in the UK, 49% of the PWD reported to feel lonely during the pandemic [24]. An increase in feelings of loneliness and social isolation during the pandemic has been reported in previous studies among older adults and PWD [10,45,52]. The generally high levels of social isolation among Canadian participants in comparison with the Dutch participants may be explained by differences in implemented COVID-19 and lockdown measures.…”

“…More than half of Canadian participants (53%) and 44% of the Dutch participants reported their current health as fair or poor. Previous studies conducted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that PWD reported lower levels of health and well-being compared to those without disabilities [26,45,52]. Various studies from across the world reported the negative impact of the pandemic on health and well-being in PWD [7][8][9]45,52].…”

“…Previous studies conducted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that PWD reported lower levels of health and well-being compared to those without disabilities [26,45,52]. Various studies from across the world reported the negative impact of the pandemic on health and well-being in PWD [7][8][9]45,52]. Indeed, our results showed that almost all Canadian participants (95%) reported to some negative impact of COVID-19 on their mental health, compared to 72% of Dutch participants.…”