Disability and citizenship

Healthcare access among people with and without disabilities


Rodríguez Gatta, D., Rotarou, E. S., Banks, L. M., & Kuper, H.


In this article, published in the journal Public Health, significant gaps in healthcare access between people with and without disabilities are highlighted.

Main results:

Compared to people without disabilities, those with disabilities:

  • Are twice as likely to have health problems.
  • Use health consultation more frequently (general practitioner, emergencies, specialists, dental care, tests, etc.).
  • Show lower coverage for the EMPA Adult Preventive Medical Examination (ages 15-64).
  • Show lower coverage for the Pap test (among people with disabilities aged 25-64).
  • More frequently face barriers to accessing healthcare (distance/transportation, waiting times, affordability, etc.).

This study reinforces the urgent need for public policies that ensure a more accessible and equitable healthcare system for all people.


Rodríguez Gatta, D., Rotarou, E. S., Banks, L. M., & Kuper, H. (2025). Healthcare access among people with and without disabilities: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Socioeconomic Survey of Chile. Public health, 241, 144–150. Advance online publication.


https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2025.02.010