Exploring the Relationship Between Impaired Mobility and Physical and Emotional Well-Being in Adults Living in an Urban Setting
Name: Anton Gillespie
School: Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Class of 2023
Mentor: Silvia Cunto-Amesty, MD, MPH, MSEd
Abstract
The CDC reports that mobility impairment is the most common disability in the United States, affecting nearly 1 in 7 American adults. Existing evidence has shown that mobility impairment can negatively impact physical and emotional health by reducing access to healthcare and decreasing life satisfaction, but all the ways in which mobility impairment contributes to such outcomes, and the protective factors that may mitigate negative outcomes, remain to be clarified. This study aimed to understand challenges faced by New York City residents living with mobility impairments and the factors that modify the risk of negative outcomes in their physical and emotional well-being. We aim to recruit 10 adult participants from New York Presbyterian clinics who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Participants undergo a telephone interview that addresses their mobility impairment, physical and emotional health, mobility within and outside the home, support networks, and challenges accessing medical care. Qualitative content analysis will be used to identify themes and patterns that emerge from the interviews. After completing two interviews, preliminary results indicate the importance of timely and accessible transportation for medical appointments. Results also indicate that complex referral processes and a lack of transparency from organizations delay access to mobility devices, therapy, and specialist care. Anxiety and depression appear to be significant issues for people with mobility impairments. The final results of this study will be useful in the design of a questionnaire that can be used to survey a larger sample of New York City residents with mobility impairments.