A Comparison of Self‐Reported Unmet Healthcare Needs among Adaptive and Able‐Bodied Athletes

Abstract

Studies have revealed a higher incidence of injury and illness among elite adaptive athletes when compared to able-bodied athletes in competition. However, individuals with disabilities report poorer access to health care. The purpose of this study is to identify differences in healthcare access, satisfaction, and unmet needs between recreational adaptive and able-bodied athletes in all sports and within a single sport (hockey). Cross-sectional, survey-based study. Recreation sports programs in Boston, MA and Chicago, IL. Adult, recreational, competitive adaptive, and able-bodied athletes. Not applicable. The Short-Form Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18) for healthcare access and satisfaction; percentage of athletes reporting unmet sports-related healthcare needs in the prior year. Sixty adaptive athletes (78% male, age 35.7 ± 12.4 years) and 65 able-bodied athletes (40% male, age 34.9 ± 11.9 years) participated. Mean access and satisfaction scores were not significantly different between groups in all sports (P = .53 and P = .19, respectively) or hockey (P = .28 and P = .55, respectively). Unmet needs were more commonly reported among adaptive athletes (18.3% all sports, 20.0% hockey) as compared to able-bodied athletes (9.2% all sports, 4.0% hockey). This reached statistical significance in the hockey group (P = .03), but not all sports (P = .12). No differences were seen between groups in healthcare access or satisfaction scores. Adaptive athletes of the same sport reported a higher rate of unmet sports-related healthcare needs but with few doctor's visits in the preceding year, suggesting discrepancies in expectations and healthcare-seeking behavior. III.