Preventive Service Utilization among People who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

Abstract

Introduction

Visual impairment (that is, blindness or low vision) is a condition that has substantial implications for independent living and is associated with poorer health, mental health issues, and reduced access to health care service. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of visual impairments and the association between visual impairment status and receipt of United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF, 2014) recommended services among U.S. adults.

Methods

Pooled data from the 2000–2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2014) were used to estimate nationally representative visual impairment prevalence and receipt of USPSTF services (mammography, Pap test, colorectal cancer screening, influenza vaccinations, and cholesterol tests) among adults with and without visual impairments. Eligibility for services was based upon gender, age, and year in which the service was received, according to USPSTF recommendations. Descriptive statistics and adjusted odds ratios were calculated. Covariates included demographic characteristics and health-related variables.

Results

Controlling for other factors, those with visual impairments were less likely to have colorectal cancer screenings (AOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49–0.90) or cholesterol tests (AOR: 0.69, 95% CI:0.50–0.96), more likely to have influenza vaccinations (AOR: 1.33, 95% CI:1.06–1.67); and equally likely to have mammogram or Pap tests compared with those without visual impairments.

Discussion

The findings suggest that adults with visual impairments, compared with those without, are less likely to receive USPSTF recommended screenings for cholesterol and colorectal cancer. Additional research is needed to ascertain the reasons behind these differences.

Limitations

This analysis is limited by sample selection, a conservative condition identification process, and the small sample sizes available in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data.

Implications for practitioners

Practitioners should be aware of the particular needs of patients with multiple chronic conditions; when serving these patients, care needs to be taken to not let their primary condition overshadow the need for other preventive services.