Utilization and perceived barriers of the healthcare system for people with disabilities in Germany
Results of the GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS-survey
Background
People with disabilities are still disadvantaged in health care. Equal access without barriers is necessary for appropriate health care. For the first time the utilization and perceived barriers of the healthcare system were analyzed by representative data for people with disabilities, differentiated according to the degree of disability (DoD), and in comparison to people without disabilities in Germany.
Objectives
What differences exist in the utilization and perceived barriers of the healthcare system among people with and without disabilities?
Materials and methods
Data of the representative survey "Gesundheit in Deutschland Aktuell 2014/2015" was used. The sample includes N = 23,481 people, among them there are n = 1295 persons (5.5 percent) with a DoD <50 and n = 2395 persons (10.2 percent) with a DoD ≥50. Uni-, bi- and multivariate analyses were conducted for the dependent variables, id est, visit of general practitioner and specialists, outpatient and inpatient hospitalizations and perceived barriers (exempla gratia waiting time for an appointment, distance, nonaffordability of examinations).
Results
People with disabilities have a higher chance of using the healthcare system than people without disabilities. A disability-specific gradient according to the DoD becomes apparent. In addition, people with disabilities are more likely to experience barriers in the healthcare system than people without disabilities, example gratia for examination delays due to a long distance and for nonaffordability of medical examinations.
Conclusions
The results emphasize the need for reduction of barriers in the healthcare system for people with disabilities as required by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Studies are requested to identify needs of specific target groups and barriers in health care, differentiated according to the DoD.
