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The inclusion of people with disabilities in COVID-19 preventive measures: Qualitative research from Vietnam.

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Title: The inclusion of people with disabilities in COVID-19 preventive measures: Qualitative research from Vietnam.
Authors: Ngoc LA; Center for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse - HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Viet Nam. Electronic address: luonganhngoctqvn@gmail.com., Hue NT; Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse - HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Viet Nam. Electronic address: hue.yhdp@gmail.com., Kim Dung NT; Department of Social Work, Thang Long University, Viet Nam. Electronic address: kimnguyen@thanglong.edu.vn., Hunt X; Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Electronic address: xanthehuntwrites@gmail.com., Shakespeare T; International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Tom.Shakespeare@lshtm.ac.uk., Hameed S; Center for Population Health Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Viet Nam. Electronic address: shaffa.hameed@lshtm.ac.uk., Mai VQ; Center for Population Health Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Viet Nam. Electronic address: vqm@huph.edu.vn., Van Hoang M; Center for Population Health Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Viet Nam. Electronic address: hvm@huph.edu.vn., Banks LM; International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom. Electronic address: morgon.banks@lshtm.ac.uk.
Source: Disability and health journal [Disabil Health J] 2025 Oct; Vol. 18 (4), pp. 101910. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Jun 08.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Elsevier Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 101306633 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1876-7583 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 18767583 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Disabil Health J Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: New York : Elsevier
MeSH Terms: COVID-19*/prevention & control , Persons with Disabilities* , Health Services Accessibility* , Pandemics*/prevention & control , Access to Information*, Humans ; Vietnam/epidemiology ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Qualitative Research ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged ; Young Adult ; Health Literacy
Abstract: Competing Interests: Declaration of interest statement No conflict of interest.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique challenges for people with disabilities, highlighting significant structural disparities in access to essential health information and services. In Vietnam, these challenges are pronounced, necessitating an investigation into the experiences of people with disabilities during the pandemic.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the experiences of people with disabilities in three major cities in Vietnam in accessing COVID-19 information and adhering to preventive measures.
Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 adults with disabilities from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Participants were purposively selected from government registers based on age, gender, residence location, and disability type. Data were analysed thematically.
Results: Respondents revealed significant barriers to accessing information on COVID-19 prevention. Key issues included the use of technical language, combined with low literacy among respondents, poor access to assistive and information-communication technology, and lack of accessible information formats or unsuitable adaptations. Difficulties in implementing preventive measures and heightened anxiety were common among participants, leading some to be unable to adequately protect themselves, while others undertook additional, unconventional measures.
Conclusions: This research emphasizes the urgency of redefining disability inclusion in public health responses, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Tailored guidance and resources are essential to address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities to ensure equitable health outcomes.
(Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: COVID-19; Disability inclusion; Health equity; Health information access; Pandemic responses; Vietnam
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20250624 Date Completed: 20250905 Latest Revision: 20250905
Update Code: 20250906
DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101910
PMID: 40555626
Database: MEDLINE
Description
Abstract:Competing Interests: Declaration of interest statement No conflict of interest.<br />Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unique challenges for people with disabilities, highlighting significant structural disparities in access to essential health information and services. In Vietnam, these challenges are pronounced, necessitating an investigation into the experiences of people with disabilities during the pandemic.<br />Objective: This study aimed to investigate the experiences of people with disabilities in three major cities in Vietnam in accessing COVID-19 information and adhering to preventive measures.<br />Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 adults with disabilities from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Participants were purposively selected from government registers based on age, gender, residence location, and disability type. Data were analysed thematically.<br />Results: Respondents revealed significant barriers to accessing information on COVID-19 prevention. Key issues included the use of technical language, combined with low literacy among respondents, poor access to assistive and information-communication technology, and lack of accessible information formats or unsuitable adaptations. Difficulties in implementing preventive measures and heightened anxiety were common among participants, leading some to be unable to adequately protect themselves, while others undertook additional, unconventional measures.<br />Conclusions: This research emphasizes the urgency of redefining disability inclusion in public health responses, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Tailored guidance and resources are essential to address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities to ensure equitable health outcomes.<br /> (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
ISSN:1876-7583
DOI:10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101910