The Impact of and Government Planning and Responses to Pandemics for People with Disability: A Rapid Review

Adyya Gupta, Anne Kavanagh and George Disney
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Adyya Gupta: Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
Anne Kavanagh: Centre for Health Equity, Disability and Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
George Disney: Centre for Health Equity, Disability and Health Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-9

Abstract: Objective —To collate evidence on (1) the risk of infection for people with disability during infectious disease outbreaks and/or pandemics and (2) government responses and pandemic plans for people with disability. Methods —Through two rapid reviews, relevant peer-reviewed studies and grey literature published from 2002 onwards in the English language were identified. Data were synthesised narratively. Results —Aim 1: Of the 680 studies, two studies were included in the review. No grey literature was eligible for inclusion. The evidence regarding risk was inconclusive. Aim 2: Of the 50 studies, three peer-review studies, along with four government reports were included. The literature largely reported on measures being taken to maximise the prevention of transmission of COVID-19 for the general population, with only a few programs including people with disability. Conclusion —Overall, there is inconclusive evidence on the risk of infection for people with disability during infectious disease outbreaks and/or pandemics and the government preparedness and planning for disease outbreaks and/or pandemics largely exclude people with disability. From a population health perspective, during disease outbreaks and pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the general population, it is important for governments to include people with disability in their pandemic planning and response.

Keywords: disability; pandemic; outbreak; response; emergency preparedness; risk of infection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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