Psychological and behavioral responses during the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals with mobility and/or self-care disabilities
General Information
Title
Psychological and behavioral responses during the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals with mobility and/or self-care disabilities
Author
Ling Na, Lixia Yang
Publication Type
Journal paper
Outlet
Disability and Health Journal
Year
2022
Abstract
Background
The lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic created major obstacles for individuals with disabilities to obtain support in their daily living.
Objectives
This study was to examine the psychological and behavioral responses of US individuals with mobility and/or self-care disabilities during the pandemic.
Methods
From a nationally representative longitudinal survey (n = 6403) administered during the pandemic, individuals were classified at baseline as having no mobility/self-care disability (ADL = 0, n = 4975), mobility or self-care disability (ADL = 1, n = 1061), and both mobility and self-care disabilities (ADL = 2, n = 367). Weighted mean of baseline mental distress scores (PHQ4), psychological risk factors (loneliness, stress, perceived COVID risk), resilience, and coping were compared among these groups. Random effects models were employed to assess the effects of disability and disability-moderated effects of risk factors on mental distress.
Results
At baseline, mental distress increased with greater ADL disabilities (Mean[95%CI] = 1.88[1.77, 1.98], 2.54[2.29, 2.79], and 3.55[3.01, 4.08] for ADL = 0, 1, and 2, respectively, p < .0001). Loneliness, stress, and perceived risk increased with ADL disabilities, but resilience and social coping decreased with it (p's < 0.0001). In the random-effects models, greater ADL disabilities, higher psychological risks, and use of cannabis and other recreational drugs were associated with greater mental distress. Greater ADL disabilities augmented the detrimental effects of risk factors on mental health, but resilience protected mental health both independently and through a buffering effect on its risk factors across all groups.
Conclusion
Individuals with mobility and/or self-care disability tend to have poorer mental health and are differentially more affected by its risk factors. Mental health professionals should address these modifiable factors in interventions.