Prevention and motor disability: A survey of 145 wheelchair users

Abstract

To estimate the quality of health prevention among persons with severe motor disabilities. Descriptive study conducted by questionnaire among adults from 18 to 74 years old, users of wheelchair. Survey led from June 2013 until June 2014, on various sites of Île-de-France (specialized hospitals, “SAMSAHs”, “MAS”, “Salon Autonomic”). The study population included 145 persons. If cardiovascular prevention (screening for hypertension, current smoking and dyslipidemia) appears to be satisfactory, the same cannot be said for other prevention topics such as vaccinations, gynecological follow-up or cancer screening. Only 53% of respondents thought their vaccinations were up to date, 28% thought their vaccinations were not and 18% did not know. Among the 57 women in our study, only 26% had had a gynecological examination within a year. Among the women aged 50 to 74 in our sample, 22 of 34 (64,7%) had done a mammography in the previous 2 years. Of the 26 women in our sample involved by cervical cancer screening, only 15 (57,7%) had made a smear in the past 3 years. Regarding the colorectal cancer screening, among people aged 50 to 74 with no history of colonoscopy, only 9 of 47 (19%) had made an Hemoccult test within 2 years. Our results concerning the vaccinations are less good than those observed in the investigation “Health Barometer 2010 [1] ” led in general population: in our study, vaccinations appear less often up to date and more frequently unknown. Our participation rates reported for cancer screening are lower than those observed in the “Cancer Barometer 2010 [2] ” where they reached 87.5% for mammography, 81.4% for smears and 44.5% for colorectal cancer screening test. Health prevention should be improved with people with severe motor disabilities by organizing regular checkups on prevention and improving the accessibility of health care settings.