Onset Of Disability Research Articles

The dynamic effects of becoming disabled on work, wages and wellbeing in the UK from 1991 to 2018

Abstract Over recent decades it has consistently been shown that disabled adults in the UK fare worse in the labour market and have lower levels of wellbeing than non-disabled adults. However, this is in part due to the selection into dis-ability of those with existing socio-economic disadvantages. In this article, we use panel data from the combined British Household Panel Survey and Understanding Society, covering the 27 years from 1991 to 2018, to distinguish between the effect of selection, the effect of dis-ability onset and the effect of dis-ability duration on a range of labour market and wellbeing outcomes. We show that there is important selection both into dis-ability and into longer experience of dis-ability on the basis of observable characteristics. We also show the importance of controlling for time-invariant unobservable individual characteristics that similarly affect selection into dis-ability and duration of dis-ability. Even after controlling for both forms of selection, we find significant negative effects of dis-ability onset and duration, and offer policy solutions to address them.

Guarantees of Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities as a Component of Official Legal Status

The article explores and characterises the legislative guarantees of social protection for persons with disabilities among military personnel and individuals discharged from military service. It analyses national labour and social legislation regarding special pension programmes, employ­ment, social payments/assistance, and social services available in our country for persons with disabilities. The content of specific guarantees for military personnel and those equated to them, as determined by their service status, is highlighted, as emphasised by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine in its decisions. It is noted that such guarantees for individuals serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations apply not only during their service period but also after discharge. Based on the analysed normative acts, it is concluded that the issue of guaranteeing social protection for persons with disabilities, as a component of their special service status, can only be considered with the presence of proper legal confirmation of the impact of service-military activities on the person’s health. It is established that if a former military service member is recognised as a person with a disability due to a disease that arose after discharge from military or equivalent service, the causal link between such a disease and their past service activities must be established. It is emphasised that the legislator also defines additional special conditions for the onset of disability as a component of the grounds for receiving certain types of social protection. One of the conditions is the determination of the time frame for establishing disability after discharge from military service. It is emphasised that the use of time criteria as legal conditions for acquiring the right to social protection violates the constitutional principles of equality in the right to social protection and justice in society. Based on the analysis of the mechanism for providing employment-related social services to persons with disabilities discharged from military and equivalent service, it is concluded that this mechanism is imperfect and not adapted to the current realities in the country. The need to develop a social services system in Ukraine is stressed, one that, on the one hand, ensures effective socialisation and professional orientation for those discharged from military service due to disability, and on the other hand, takes into account the specific conditions under which the disability was acquired. A drawback in this system is highlighted - the lack of a mechanism to involve employers in the process of socialisation and professional adaptation of the individual. It is noted that merely legislating the obligation to create jobs for persons with disabilities is an insufficient measure for facilitating the professional and social rehabilitation of individuals. Proposed are appropriate amendments to the legislation on the social protection of persons with disabilities.

Patterns of intrinsic capacity trajectory and onset of activities of daily living disability among community-dwelling older adults.

Global population ageing has brought about new challenges for elderly care. Exploring intrinsic capacity (IC) over time, which is designed as a composite measure of an individual's physical and mental capabilities, is essential for promoting healthy ageing and preventing dependency, such as that emerging from disability in activities of daily living (ADL). We aimed to identify and examine the differences between classes of IC trajectory and onset of ADL disability. We conducted an observational study using data from three waves (2011-15) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, comprising 2609 participants with 6034 observations. IC was measured by five domains, including locomotion, cognition, psychological, sensory capacities, and vitality. We used joint latent class modelling to identify distinct classes with similar patterns of IC trajectory and onset of ADL disability, as well as to explore the variation in IC trajectory and predict five-year risks of ADL disability considering the heterogeneity in the elderly population. The average baseline IC score was 7.15 (range: 0-15). We observed that IC scores slowly decreased with age, with 17.25% of participants developing ADL disability. We identified three classes of IC, which could be described as moderate health (class 1: n = 1634, 62.63%), at-risk (class 2: n = 716, 27.44%; had the highest risk of ADL disability), and optimal health (class 3: n = 259, 9.93%; had the lowest baseline risk of ADL disability). The probability of being in the moderate health class was decreased the most by emotional problems (odds ratio (OR) = 0.219; P < 0.001). Having a self-rated poor standard of living substantially reduced the chances of moderate (OR = 0.308; P = 0.001) and optimal health (OR = 0.110; P < 0.001). Observing IC trajectories and the onset of ADL disability can stratify the elderly into heterogeneous groups, as well as provide data for implementing person-centred care plans to reverse the trend and delay the adverse outcomes in clinical practice.

Biallelic variants in MRPL49 cause variable clinical presentations, including sensorineural hearing loss, leukodystrophy, and ovarian insufficiency.

Combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency (COXPD) is a rare multisystem disorder which is clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Genome sequencing identified biallelic MRPL49 variants in individuals from five unrelated families with presentations ranging from Perrault syndrome (primary ovarian insufficiency and sensorineural hearing loss) to severe childhood onset of leukodystrophy, learning disability, microcephaly and retinal dystrophy. Complexome profiling of fibroblasts from affected individuals revealed reduced levels of the small and, a more pronounced reduction of, the large mitochondrial ribosomal subunits. There was no evidence of altered mitoribosomal assembly. The reductions in levels of OXPHOS enzyme complexes I and IV are consistent with a form of COXPD associated with biallelic MRPL49 variants, expanding the understanding of how disruption of the mitochondrial ribosomal large subunit results in multi-system phenotypes.

Interaction between tea consumption and genes on activities of daily living disability in older adults.

The effects of tea consumption on delaying aging and the onset of age-related disabilities have been reported; however, it is unclear whether these benefits are impacted by genes. This study aimed to examine the associations between tea consumption and activities of daily living (ADL) and explore the role of genetic factors. Data from 46,487 older adults aged 64-105 who participated in at least one data wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) conducted in 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2018 were analyzed. Genetic data were produced using the Affymetrix Axiom™myDesign™ (384-format) Human Genotyping Array. The generalized estimation equation and multiple logistic regression models were constructed to examine the effects of tea consumption, polygenic risk score, and their interactions on ADL. Tea consumption was related to reduced ADL decline-the effect was statistically significant among men but not women. A significant interaction between tea consumption and polygenic risk score (PRS) was observed. Tea consumption was associated with a decreased risk of ADL disability only among individuals with a low PRS. These findings indicate that tea consumption plays a role in preventing disability in older adults with low polygenic risk.

Predictive Factors for Onset of Moderate-to-Severe Disability Following Hospital Discharge Due to Rib Fractures.

According to previous studies, a prolonged hospital stay, along with the patient's clinical features, can lead to the onset of disability. This study aimed to identify predictive factors of moderate-to-severe disability following hospital discharge in rib fracture patients. We conducted a retrospective study with hospitalized adult patients with rib fractures who received conservative treatment. Patients' clinical profiles and characteristics were collected from their clinical histories and healthcare professional records. Overall, patients exhibited a 44% rate of moderate-to-severe disability after a six-day hospital stay. The incidence of patients with a prolonged hospital stay who showed disabilities was associated with male sex (HR 0.73, p < 0.001), presence of first rib fracture (HR 1.78, p = 0.047), presence of flail chest (HR 1.29, p = 0.046), severity of lung injury (HR 1.65, p < 0.001), and functional status (HR 1.37, p < 0.001). Moderate-to-severe disability in patients with rib fractures may depend on factors such as sex, functionality, severity of lung injury, and presence of first rib fracture and flail chest during a prolonged hospital stay.

The role of lifestyle physical activity in preventing multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than three million people worldwide. Among the environmental, lifestyle, dietary, comorbid, and pharmacological factors investigated as possible modifiable protective or risk factors for MS, physical activity (PA) seems to play a valuable role in its prevention. Currently, there is no comprehensive review article on the preventive effects of PA in MS. This narrative review aimed to evaluate the most recent and extensive pooled analysis and evidence and to explore the influence of lifestyle PA on primary and secondary prevention in MS. Literature articles were searched through several databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, from 1985 to March 2024. The review focused on lifestyle PA, defined as the daily accumulation of at least 30 min of self-selected activities. This includes all leisure, occupational, or household activities that are at least moderate to vigorous in intensity and may be planned or unplanned activities that are part of everyday life. The most valuable and representative reports on primary and secondary prevention in MS have been selected. Lifestyle PA, practised at moderate and high intensity, plays a protective role in reducing the risk of developing MS and delaying the onset of disability in persons with MS. Future studies are required to identify specific types of PA that are particularly recommended for patients with MS.

Temporary Setback or Lasting Challenge? The Impact of Transient and Persistent Functional disability on later life well-being.

While most people spend the last years of their life with health limitations, these do not arise at the same timepoint for everyone or have the same consequences for our well-being. The aim of this study is to investigate how well-being trajectories evolve after the onset of functional disability, comparing affective, cognitive, and eudemonic dimensions, while also assessing how they are influenced by temporary functional disability, distinguishing between persistent and transient cases. We reordered longitudinal panel data from waves 4 to 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), from more than 3,500 Europeans to align on the transition from no limitation to at least one limitation in activities of daily living. We used linear spline growth models separately for each of the three well-being measures used (EURO-D, CASP, life satisfaction) to examine trajectories. We observed a substantial decline in all three well-being measures at functional disability onset, with life satisfaction less affected (standardised mean differences = -0.11) than quality of life (-0.23) and depression (-0.27). Short-term disability on average led to a return to the initial well-being level within, while long-term disability led to a pronounced decline during the transition, with much less adaptation. Our findings highlight the significant impact that functional disability can have on well-being, revealing distinct patterns across various dimensions. Persistent disability often marks a crucial stage in the well-being of older people, whereas transient cases are characterised by a subsequent return to previous levels of well-being.

Risk factor of disability as new certification of long-term care needs in older Japanese adults with diabetes mellitus: A longitudinal study.

This observational longitudinal study aimed to explore the risk factors for disabilities in older Japanese individuals with diabetes at a frailty clinic, an outpatient clinic specializing in comprehensive geriatric assessments for older patients. The outcome was the onset of disability as a new certification of long-term care needs in outpatients aged ≥65 years. Multivariable Cox regression analyses examined the independent associations between the onset of disability and the variables that reached significance in the bivariate analysis, after adjusting for age and sex, years of education, and certification of need for support. A total of 182 participants (mean age 77.8 years, 59.9% female) were included in the study. During a mean follow-up period of 1070 days, 28 patients (15.4%) developed disabilities. Multivariable analysis showed that poor glycemic control (higher levels of glycosylated albumin and HbA1c), frailty as measured by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), cognitive decline as assessed by the revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (especially "5 object recall" and verbal fluency as assessed by the number of "vegetable names"), poor adherence to medications, and reduced muscle mass were significantly associated with the development of disability. Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed independent and significant associations between the development of disability and HbA1c ≥7.5%, CFS ≥4, and generating vegetable names≤9. In identifying older patients with diabetes who are at risk of developing disabilities, it may be useful to evaluate glycemic control, CFS, cognition, and medication adherence. Verbal fluency tests using vegetable names may serve as simple tools for assessing the risk of disability. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Facilitators and barriers to employment for people with adult-onset physical disabilities: results from a U.S.A. survey.

Employment has long been an area of concern for people with disabilities. National samples in the United States are needed to understand the experiences of people with disabilities related to employment. (1) Describe and evaluate associations between personal and health-related factors with employment after disability, and (2) describe and evaluate associations between facilitators, barriers, and work-related external factors with maintaining a longest held job after disability. We recruited a national sample of people with physical disabilities from panels assembled by a United States market research organization; by selection, 1309 were working and 491 were not. We evaluated the likelihood of employment and maintaining employment after disability onset using Poisson regression. Model 1 evaluated factors associated with employment; Model 2 evaluated factors associated with maintained employment. Model 1: Older age, decreased ability to pay bills on time, and assistive device use were associated with decreased likelihood of employment after disability onset. Non-Black minority identification, fatigue, and higher physical function were associated with increased likelihood of employment. For Model 2, the likelihood of maintaining a longest held job was associated with acquiring a disability at work, receipt of job accommodations, valuing opportunities for advancement and health benefits, having a helpful living situation, and helpful human resource attitudes. Decreased likelihood of maintaining a longest held job after disability onset was associated with job dissatisfaction and supervisors' attitudes. This work highlights opportunities for employers to focus efforts on job accommodations and support in the maintenance of employment after disability.

Understanding disability benefits decision-making among adults with self-reported work disabilities: A qualitative study

BackgroundTake-up gaps in safety net programs, long documented in the US, are an important policy problem as non-take up compromises the equity objectives and efficacy of programs. The Social Security Disability program is an example of this: more than 20 million adults report a work disability, but only around 11 million currently receive disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income programs. ObjectivesWe examine decision-making around benefits application among adults with self-reported work disability who have never applied for disability benefits. MethodsWe conducted 39 interviews with work-disabled adults who have never applied for disability benefits. Thematic analysis identified key barriers and inhibitors to disability application. ResultsHigh transaction costs involved in disability applications coupled with the widespread perception of low approval rates was mentioned as a critical deterrent. Uncertain and lengthy medical processes after disability onset were also frequently reported as a key deterrent. Stigma about receiving disability benefits did not emerge as a factor in application behavior, although a change in self-concept involving an adjustment to benefit-receiving, work-disabled status was cited as a barrier to claiming. ConclusionOur results broadly align with those of other research that examined the information, transaction, and social costs of applying for benefits. Nevertheless, the qualitative data afford a more in-depth, grounded understanding of the primary factors affecting application decisions, and how those interact. These insights are important to inform targets for interventions to reduce barriers to take-up of benefits among potentially eligible adults with disabilities.

Radiological segmentation of knee meniscus ultrasound images based on boundary constraints and multi-scale fusion network

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most popular joint diseases endangering human health because of its high incidence, disability, and younger onset. However, there is no suitable method for early diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of KOA. In recent years, some clinical studies have found that ultrasound can detect early changes in KOA in advance, and the automatic segmentation of ultrasound images can achieve rapid and effective quantitative research on KOA. However, in ultrasound images, the soft tissue boundaries of the lesion are blurred, making lesion segmentation difficult. Although the U-Net family is one of the best networks for image segmentation, they still have defects such as blurred segmentation boundaries, distorted morphology, and insufficient accuracy when segmenting ultrasound images. To address this issue, we added attention, atrous spatial pyramid pooling (ASSP), and edge loss function terms into the Unet3+ network, which improved the contour clarity and accuracy of output images (the improved Unet3+ Dice acc = 78.74%. Then, we extract the key features of the improved Unet3+ for outputting meniscus images: calculating meniscus area and distance, where the average accuracy of the area is: area_ avg_ acc = 91.12%, with an average distance accuracy of distance_ avg_ acc = 91.14%. This thesis creates a new dataset collection from West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and automated measurement of knee meniscus protrusion area has been achieved for the first time. This article is the first to apply deep learning to ultrasound image segmentation of the knee meniscus, helping doctors conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of early KOA. The results indicate that the improved Unet3+ can assist doctors in automatically diagnosing and evaluating KOA based on meniscus ultrasound images, which is beneficial for guiding early clinical intervention.

How university students view disabled people: The role of wheelchairs, canes, and unspecified mobility aids.

Mobility aids are important to disabled people as a functional tool that can enhance their participation in leisure activities and work; however, mobility aids may also have implications for how disabled people are viewed by others. Using theories from social psychology, this study aimed to understand how mobility aids contribute to the perception of mobility aid users. A total of 259 participants without disabilities, who were primarily young, Caucasian, female-identifying university students, completed the questionnaires. The primary questionnaires of interest included the Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Toward Persons with Disabilities and the Stereotype Content Model. Every participant completed three conditions of the questionnaires to examine their attitudes and stereotypes associated with three mobility aid conditions: a wheelchair, a cane, and a control condition without a specified mobility aid. Affective attitudes toward the unspecified mobility aid condition and the manual wheelchair condition were more negative than the cane condition. Perceived warmth was higher for the manual wheelchair condition compared to the unspecified mobility aid condition and perceived competence was higher for the cane and manual wheelchair conditions compared to the unspecified mobility aid condition. This study explored how young women without disabilities, and potentially nondisabled people more generally, may hold a range of attitudes and stereotypes about the use of mobility aids by disabled people. These findings have implications for the design of effective attitudinal change programs and for rehabilitation professionals who work with individuals as they adopt mobility aids following the onset of disability. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The impact of sex and gender on burden for caregivers of stroke patients: A narrative review

BackgroundWhen a patient is disabled after stroke, they require both emotional support and medical management and may require the assistance of a caregiver. Given the often-sudden onset of disability and the complex challenges related to caring for someone after stroke, caregivers can experience a heavy burden. Caregiver burden negatively affects quality of care, quality of life, and physical and psychological health. The impact of gender on caregiver burden has been in many other conditions; however, the association has not yet been thoroughly assessed in stroke. ObjectiveThe aim of this paper is to define caregiver burden, discuss how it is assessed, discuss unique aspects of burden for stroke caregivers, and determine the impact of sex and gender on stroke caregiver role and burden. MethodsA narrative review was performed to synthesize the available literature and explore how the role of sex and gender impact caregiving for patients who have suffered stroke and whether sex and gender of the caregiver contribute to caregiver burden r. ResultsReview of the available literature suggests that sex and gender significantly impact caregiving burden following stroke dipropionately affecting women. ConclusionsCaregiving for patients who have suffered stroke is often provided by women both inside the home and when patients are within institutions. Women who serve as caregivers to stroke patients may be at higher risk of experiencing burden and its negative effects, including emotional strain, anxiety, and/or depression. More research is needed to determine the best ways to provide support for women who act as caregivers for stroke patients to mitigate caregiver burden.

Impact of fat to muscle ratio with risk of disability on community-dwelling Japanese older adults: A 5-year longitudinal study

Purpose: Sarcopenic obesity is a combination of sarcopenia and obesity, which is associated with the onset of disability. Fat to muscle ratio (FMR) is a screening measure that assesses the ratio of muscle mass to fat mass. However, the relationship between the FMR and disability has not been investigated. Methods: This study included 11,427 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years enrolled in NCGG-SGS (National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromes), a national cohort study in Japan. FMR was measured by the bioelectrical impedance analysis and calculated by dividing fat mass by muscle mass. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis adjusted for covariates was used to investigate the association between FMR and the risk of developing new care needs at 5 years. FMR was divided by about quintile, with quintile 5 as the high. Results: The high FMR group had the highest incidence of disability at 20.8 % for women and 20.1 % for men. In women, the association between FMR and disability was significantly different for the FMR (hazard risk [HR]: 1.43, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.75). There was no association between FMR and disability in men (HR: 0.98, 95 %CI: 0.76–1.25). Lagged analyses accounting for reverse causality did not change the relationship. Conclusions: FMR is associated with increased risk of disability in women community-dwelling older adults but not among men. Because the rate of decreased muscle strength is faster in men than in women, early decreased muscle strength may affect men's risk of disability more than muscle mass or fat mass.

Who develops chronic pain after an acute lower limb injury? A longitudinal study of children and adolescents.

Prevention of chronic pain is a major challenge in this area of clinical practice. To do this, we must be able to understand who is most at risk of developing chronic pain after an injury. In this study, we aimed to identify risk factors of chronic pain onset, disability, and pain interference after a lower limb musculoskeletal injury in children and adolescents between 8 to 16 years of age. We assessed biopsychosocial factors including age, sex, pubertal status, anxiety, depression, fear of pain, pain worry, adverse life events, and sleep in children. We also assessed risk factors in parents including parent anxiety, depression, parent pain catastrophising, and protective behaviours. Logistic and hierarchical linear regressions identified risk factors assessed immediately postinjury for outcomes assessed at 3 months postinjury. Fourteen percent (17/118 children) reported chronic pain 3 months after injury. There were significant between-group differences in children with and without chronic pain at baseline. Children with chronic pain reported higher pain intensity, disability, pain interference, child depression, fear of pain, and catastrophic thinking about their pain. Regressions showed child depression and fear of pain at baseline independently predicted chronic pain onset at 3 months, parent protectiveness predicted child pain interference at 3 months, and child depression, poor sleep, parent anxiety and pain catastrophising predicted disability. Most children recover after a lower limb injury, but a minority develop chronic pain predicted by important psychosocial risk factors, which could be addressed to prevent the onset of treatment-resistant chronic pain and disability.

Association of insomnia symptoms and trajectories with the risk of functional disability: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThere is limited understanding regarding prospective associations of insomnia symptoms and trajectories with functional disability. We aimed to investigate the associations of insomnia symptoms and trajectories with functional disability.MethodA total of 13 197 participants were eligible from the Health and Retirement Study. Insomnia symptoms included non-restorative sleep, difficulty initiating sleep, early morning awakening, and difficulty maintaining sleep. We also identified four distinct trajectories of insomnia symptoms: low, decreasing, increasing, and high insomnia symptoms. Functional status was assessed through activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).ResultsParticipants experiencing one (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13–1.29), two (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.29–1.57), or three to four (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.25–1.60) insomnia symptoms had a higher risk of ADL disability than asymptomatic respondents. Similarly, participants with one or more insomnia symptoms had a higher risk of IADL disability. Furthermore, using the trajectory with low insomnia symptoms as the reference, decreasing insomnia symptoms (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12–1.34), increasing insomnia symptoms (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05–1.41), and high insomnia symptoms (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.18–1.56) were all associated with an increased risk of ADL disability.ConclusionBoth a single measurement and dynamic trajectory of insomnia symptoms are associated with the onset of ADL disability. Increased awareness and management of insomnia symptoms may contribute to the prevention of functional disability occurrence.

The Role of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: A Review of the Literature

The progression of multiple sclerosis, whether treated or not, can sooner or later lead to the onset of disability that is not limited to locomotor disorders alone, despite therapeutic advances. Generated by years of relapses, followed by the insidious but continuous onset of motor, sensory, cerebellar, sensory or cognitive deficits, the consequences are physical, psychological and even socio-economic, and include functional rehabilitation, the efficacy of which now seems to be well established. Various types of treatment are available, involving a wide range of healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, psychomotor therapists, orthoprosthetists, speech therapists, etc.), coordinated by a doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Programs are usually multidisciplinary, including rehabilitation techniques, functional exercises and even exercise training

Proactive care for frailty.

Many providers aspire to scale up proactive care that prevents escalation of health and care needs, delays onset of disability, and reduces demand for emergency department attendance or admission to hospital or care home. NHS England offers guidance on personalised and coordinated multi-professional support and interventions for people with moderate or severe frailty. This article reflects on the growing international evidence for an integrated proactive approach for older people with frailty and why investing in high-quality, joined-up care for older people across the whole system improves outcomes for people, reduces demand for services, increases system resilience, and delivers economic and societal benefits. Facing up to frailty requires creative whole system workforce planning and development that will be challenging to deliver in the current financial and recruitment context yet all the more worthwhile as scaling up proactive care has the potential to be a game changer.

Disparities in Smoking and Heavy Drinking Behaviors by Disability Status and Age of Disability Onset: Secondary Analysis of National Health Interview Survey Data.

People with childhood-onset disabilities are living into adulthood, and the prevalence of smoking and illicit drug use among adults with disabilities is high. We evaluated the relationship between disability status and age of disability onset, current cigarette smoking status, and heavy alcohol drinking. We conducted a secondary data analysis of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a US survey on illness and disability. Among 2020 NHIS participants aged 22-80 years (n = 28 225), we compared self-reported prevalence of current cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol drinking among those with and without disabilities and among those with childhood- versus adult-onset disabilities. We used adjusted logistic regression analysis to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of current smoking and heavy alcohol drinking based on disability status and age of disability onset. Compared with adults without disabilities, adults with disabilities were significantly more likely to report current smoking (23.5% vs 11.2%; P < .001) and significantly less likely to report heavy alcohol drinking (5.3% vs 7.4%; P = .001). The prevalence of these behaviors did not vary significantly by age of disability onset. In adjusted logistic regression models, adults with disabilities had significantly higher odds of current smoking (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.53-2.03) and similar odds of heavy alcohol drinking (AOR = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.65-1.04) compared with adults without disabilities. The odds of these health behaviors did not vary significantly by age of disability onset. Adults with disabilities overall may be at high risk for these unhealthy behaviors, particularly smoking, regardless of age of disability onset. Routine screening and cessation counseling related to smoking and unhealthy alcohol use are important for all people with disabilities.