The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the deep-rooted inequalities and disparities that exist in our society. While the disease affects everyone, it has become increasingly clear that certain groups are at a higher risk of severe illness and death. A recent study has revealed that people with intellectual disabilities are among the most vulnerable populations during this pandemic, facing greater mortality disparities compared to the general population. In this article, we will explore the hidden toll of COVID-19 on those with intellectual disabilities and the urgent need for equitable healthcare access and support for this population.
A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health journal reveals that intellectually disabled individuals have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The study analyzed cause-specific and any-cause mortality among individuals with or without intellectual-type disabilities before and during COVID-19. Individuals with intellectual disabilities often face disparities in health due to barriers to accessing healthcare services or immunodeficiencies, which lead to worse disease outcomes and early death. Increased COVID-19-associated mortality has been documented among the disabled population between 2020 and 2021. However, information on the magnitude of the impact on death disparities for disabled individuals is limited.
The study investigated whether there was an increase in cause-particular and any-cause mortality among individuals with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team linked the adult Dutch population with the death registry of the Netherlands, meaning it had data on the demographics (age and sex), intellectual status, and cause and date of death for individuals who were deceased by December 31, 2021. The findings during COVID-19 (January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021) were compared with those before COVID-19 (between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019).
The results show that COVID-19 impacted intellectually disabled Dutch adults more severely than would indicate by documented COVID-19-associated deaths alone. The risk of COVID-19-associated death was more significant in the disabled population compared to the general public, and the overall disparities in mortality were further aggravated in the initial two years of COVID-19. The health-associated risks for disabled adults warrant tailored policy formulation and decision-making concerning protective health measures to improve global preparedness for COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Concerning disease groups such as behavioral, mental, and nervous system-associated causes; neoplasm-associated causes; non-natural or external causes; circulatory system-associated reasons; and natural or other causes), the mortality rate was more significant for intellectually disabled adults during COVID-19 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. The disparity in death rates between the two periods was greater among the disabled population compared to the general public, even though the relative death risks for the majority of other causes were within comparable ranges to the pre-COVID-19 years. The disabled population died earlier due to COVID-19 compared to the general population.
Noteworthy changes in the reasons for death among disabled adults included a rise in deaths from poorly defined neoplasms, fewer pneumonia-associated deaths, more deaths due to accidental falls, an increase in diabetes-associated deaths, and a decrease in deaths due to Down syndrome. An increase in deaths was reported due to unspecified reasons during COVID-19 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period.
The findings highlight the need for better monitoring at-risk individuals, including those with intellectual-type disabilities, who may be overlooked, with adverse consequences. The study emphasizes the importance of tailored protective health measures for vulnerable populations during pandemics like COVID-19.
As the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s crucial that we pay attention to the hidden toll it’s taking on vulnerable populations. The recent study that revealed greater mortality disparities for people with intellectual disabilities is a clear indicator that more action needs to be taken to protect these individuals. It’s time to recognize that the health disparities that exist for people with intellectual disabilities are not solely related to their disabilities but also the result of systemic societal and healthcare barriers. It’s up to us to take action, push for change, and ensure that everyone receives fair and equitable care during this pandemic and beyond. Only then can we truly move forward in a just and compassionate society.
