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KMID : 1120220240150020150
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Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2024 Volume.15 No. 2 p.150 ~ p.158
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COVID-19 infection among people with disabilities in 2021 prior to the Omicron-dominant period in the Republic of Korea: a cross-sectional study
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Kang Seul-Ki
Kim In-Ho Bryan
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Abstract
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Objectives: This study investigated the characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among individuals with disabilities on a nationwide scale in the Republic of Korea, as limited research has examined this population.
Methods: Between January 1 and November 30, 2021, a total of 5,687 confirmed COVID-19 cases among individuals with disabilities were reported through the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s COVID-19 web reporting system. Follow-up continued until December 24, and demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics were analyzed.
Results: Individuals with disabilities represented approximately 1.5% of confirmed cases, with a mean age of 58.1 years. Most resided in or near metropolitan areas (86.6%) and were male (60.6%). Frequent sources of infection included home (33.4%) and contact with confirmed cases (40.7%). Many individuals (75.9%) had underlying conditions, and 7.7% of cases were severe. People with disabilities showed significantly elevated risk of severe infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47?1.81) and mortality (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.43?1.91). Vaccination against COVID-19 was associated with significantly lower risk of severe infection (aORs for the first, second, and third doses: 0.6 [95% CI, 0.42?0.85], 0.28 [95% CI, 0.22?0.35], and 0.16 [95% CI, 0.05?0.51], respectively) and death (adjusted hazard ratios for the first and second doses: 0.57 [95% CI, 0.35?0.93] and 0.3 [95% CI, 0.23?0.40], respectively).
Conclusion: Individuals with disabilities showed higher risk of severe infection and mortality from COVID-19. Consequently, it is critical to strenghthenCOVID-19 vaccination initiatives and provide socioeconomic assistance for this vulnerable population.
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KEYWORD
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COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, Disabled persons, SARS-CoV-2
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