Events Across the Life Course Contribute to Higher Mobility Impairment Rates in Rural U.S.
Catherine Ipsen, Bryce Ward, Andrew Myers
PMID 36188967WHAT IT FOUND
Rural adults reported higher rates of mobility impairment at ages 40 and 50 than urban adults.
They were also more likely to have experienced workplace injuries, concussions, or broken bones, and had lower rates of health insurance coverage.
Key findings
01Rural respondents were significantly more likely to report mobility impairment at ages 40 and 50, ever being unconscious, and ever suffering a workplace injury.
02People who reported a broken bone, being knocked unconscious, or having workplace injury were 87, 48, and 41% more likely to report mobility impairment at age 40, respectively.
03Living in a rural location at age 40 increased the odds of mobility impairment by 37%, while share of health insurance coverage lowered the odds by 73%.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study defined mobility impairment solely as trouble climbing stairs, which may not capture the full spectrum of disability experiences. Many variables were proxies (e.g., health insurance coverage, rural status), which may have under- or over-estimated specific characteristics. The data did not measure the varied experience of disability, including hearing, vision, cognitive, and self-care disabilities, which are also higher in rural areas.
Declared interests
The authors declare no commercial or financial conflicts of interest. The work was supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that rural residence itself causes mobility impairment. The study shows an association, but the mechanisms (such as access to care, type of employment, and injury rates) are complex and not fully isolated in this analysis.