Prevalence of disability among adults using Rapid Assessment of Disability tool in a rural district of South India. Issue 4 (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramachandra, Srikrishna Sulgodu; Allagh, Komal Preet; Kumar, Hemanth; Grills, Nathan; Marella, Manjula; Pant, Hira; Mahesh, D.; Soji, Fairlene; Mani, Srinivasan; Murthy, G.V.S.
• Is Part Of: Disability and health journal. Volume 9:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 624
• Page End: 631
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Adults -- Disability -- India -- Prevalence -- Rapid assessment; People with disabilities -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Disabled Persons -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2016.05.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1936-6574

Abstract

Abstract: Background: There are different estimates of disability prevalence reported in India due to the differences in definitions and methodologies. Reliable data is needed to plan effective disability inclusive strategies. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with disability among adults ≥18 years of age in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh using the Rapid Assessment of Disability (RAD) tool. Methods: The RAD survey was conducted in 50 villages (clusters) of Ongole division of Prakasam district. A two-stage cluster random sampling was used. Within each village 80 participants were surveyed. Compact segment sampling was used to determine the houses included. A person was reported as disabled based on their responses to the functioning section of the RAD tool. Results: A total of 4134 adults were included. The overall prevalence of disability was 10.4% (431 adults). The highest prevalence of functional impairment was related to mobility (4.7%) followed by vision (2.1%) and fine motor (1.8%). The prevalence of psychological distress was 2.3%. Disability was significantly more prevalent in the poor socio economic group (OR 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5; 5.0) and among unemployed (OR 3.6; 95% CI: 2.3, 5.5). The prevalence of disability was strongly associated with age where, participants aged 70 years and over were eleven times more likely to report disability than younger age groups. Conclusion: The high prevalence of disability in the region points to disability being of public health concern and as a health condition needing urgent attention and specific interventions.