The impact of UK social distancing guidance on the health and wellbeing of disabled people during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative exploration

Abstract Background The sudden introduction of social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant lifestyle changes for the UK population. People living with physical disabilities were deemed to be at greater risk of complications following COVID-19 infection and were subjected to stricter social distancing guidelines. But gaps remain in our understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions affected the health and wellbeing of people with physical disabilities. Such understanding is vital to ensure equitable future pandemic preparedness for people living with physical disabilities. Methods We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 31 people living in the UK between May 2020 and January 2022. All participants self-identified as having a physical disability that affected their mobility, sight, or hearing. We analysed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Six themes were identified that described the impact of the pandemic on health and wellbeing: i) adaptations to healthcare provision led to a deterioration in health; ii) exacerbations of inequalities in access to public space due to social distancing guidelines; iii) experiences of hostility from able-bodied people; iv) loss of social lives and encounters; v) difficulties maintaining distance from others and subsequent fear of infection and vi) strategies to support mental health and coping when confined to the home. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing health and social inequalities experienced by disabled people. The disproportionate impact of the pandemic on service provision and social connections resulted in challenging circumstances for disabled people who faced unmet medical needs, deteriorating health, and at times, hostile public spaces. Disabled people’s experiences need to be incorporated into future pandemic or health-related emergency planning to ensure equality of access to services and public spaces to ensure their health and wellbeing is supported and maintained.