Hallyburton, Ann Depression Experienced by US Adults with Disabilities During COVID-19: Implications of Pre-Pandemic and Pandemic Data from National Surveys. 2023. Radford University, Doctoral Capstone Project. Radford University Scholars' Repository.
This is the latest version of this item.
 |
PDF
Download (1MB) |
Abstract
Introduction: This study examines whether the presence of depression symptoms increased in individuals with disabilities surrounding major announcements of relaxation of masking protocols in the US out of alignment with peers without disabilities. Methods: Pre-pandemic baseline data from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey and pandemic-era data from the Household Pulse Survey surrounding dates of two major announcements on masking protocol relaxations were analyzed. Disability status, age grouping, educational attainment, race/Hispanic ethnicity, and sex variables were considered. The 2012 Integrated Perspective on Prejudice and Depression developed by Cox and colleagues is used as a lens for interpreting how perceived discrimination may lead to increases in the presence of depression symptoms. Results: Individuals with disabilities, as a group and when considered according to age grouping, educational attainment, race/Hispanic ethnicity, and sex, experienced increases in the presence of depressive symptoms following relaxations of masking mandates while individuals without disabilities experienced decreases in these symptoms. Discussion: Pushes for return to pre-pandemic normalcy in the form of masking protocol relaxations may have been interpreted as meaning the lives of individuals with compromised immune systems, many of whom have disabilities, were worth risking for greater economic stability and personal choice. Individuals with disabilities may have internalized these messages as discrimination, leading to increases in the presence of depression symptoms. Findings indicate future public health campaigns and communications, even in times of crisis, should take care to avoid actions and messaging that discount the needs of individuals with disabilities and other groups experiencing oppression.
| Item Type: | Doctoral Capstone Project |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | disability depression mental health prejudice discrimination United States survey quantitative research |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare |
| Divisions: | Radford University > Waldron College of Health and Human Services > Healthcare Administration Program |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Nov 2023 05:04 |
| Last Modified: | 27 Nov 2023 05:04 |
| URI: | http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/1040 |
Available Versions of this Item
- Depression Experienced by US Adults with Disabilities During COVID-19: Implications of Pre-Pandemic and Pandemic Data from National Surveys. (deposited 27 Nov 2023 05:04) [Currently Displayed]
Administrative Actions
 |
View Item |
