Adverse Health Behaviors and Chronic Conditions in Working-Age Women with Disabilities

Abstract

This retrospective, cross-sectional, multiple cohort study of women with disabilities addresses two health-related areas in a nationally representative sample of women living in the community. Using data from the 1997–1998 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), health risk behaviors and chronic conditions were examined for women with mild, moderate, and severe functional limitations, and their responses were compared to those of women who reported no limitations. Women with severe limitations evidenced the highest risk for heavy cigarette smoking. They were also more likely to meet the Body Mass Index criterion for obesity. Adverse health behaviors were strongly associated with the five potentially disabling chronic conditions that were studied.