Inequalities in healthcare disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from 12 UK population-based longitudinal studies

Objectives: We investigated associations between multiple sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, occupational social class, education and ethnicity) and self-reported healthcare disruptions during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design: Coordinated analysis of prospective population surveys.

Setting: Community-dwelling participants in the UK between April 2020 and January 2021.

Participants: Over 68 000 participants from 12 longitudinal studies.

Outcomes: Self-reported healthcare disruption to medication access, procedures and appointments.

Results: Prevalence of healthcare disruption varied substantially across studies: between 6% and 32% reported any disruption, with 1%-10% experiencing disruptions in medication, 1%-17% experiencing disruption in procedures and 4%-28% experiencing disruption in clinical appointments. Females (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.40; I²=54%), older persons (eg, OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.72; I²=77% for 65-75 years vs 45-54 years) and ethnic minorities (excluding white minorities) (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.35; I²=0% vs white) were more likely to report healthcare disruptions. Those in a more disadvantaged social class were also more likely to report healthcare disruptions (eg, OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.27; I²=0% for manual/routine vs managerial/professional), but no clear differences were observed by education. We did not find evidence that these associations differed by shielding status.

Conclusions: Healthcare disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic could contribute to the maintenance or widening of existing health inequalities.