Retrospective cohort study measuring the disparities in post-COVID conditions among persons with disabilities: findings from primary care settings, 2019-22.

Abstract

Background and aims: This study compared the incidence of post-COVID conditions by pre-pandemic disability status within primary care.

Methods: This retrospective observational study used electronic health record data to identify primary care patients with ≥1 visit during January 2018-December 2019 and ≥1 visit during May 2020-December 2022. Disability status was identified using diagnostic codes from January 2018 to December 2019. COVID-19 diagnosis was captured during April 2020-December 2022. Accelerated Failure Time models were used to assess time to incident circulatory, endocrine, neurological, and respiratory diagnoses at least 28 days post COVID-19.

Results: Among patients aged ≥50 years, those with disabilities and COVID-19 had higher incidence and earlier onset of newly diagnosed circulatory [time ratio (TR) 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64-0.77], endocrine (TR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.99), and neurological (TR 0.52, 95% CI 0.44-0.62), but not respiratory conditions during the post-COVID period as compared to patients with COVID-19 without disability. No associations were found among patients aged <50 years.

Conclusion: Primary care patients with pre-existing disability experienced a higher incidence and earlier onset of post-COVID conditions than patients without disability.