Factors associated with disability in Ghana

Abstract

In 2010, about 15% of the world's population was estimated to be living with disability. Eighty percent of this number was reported to be living in low income countries (WHO, 2011). This proportion has been predicted to increase further as a result of aging of the population, increased prevalence of chronic diseases and other causes of disability such as HIV / AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse, and injury from accidents. In Ghana, rapid urbanization and social change makes disability a problem. This study therefore sought to identify risk factors which make persons susceptible to disability. The WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 1 2007-2010 dataset was used. The mean age was 60 ±13.9 years. About 19%, 74% and 6% reported none, mild and severe disability respectively. Also, 11.6%, 11.3%, 3.3%, and 2.1 %, were living with arthritis, hypertension, diabetes and stroke respectively. The multinomial logistic regression results showed age, sex, marital status, place of residence, level of education, employment status and arthritis as predictors of mild disability. Apart from arthritis, all the aforementioned, including injury from road accidents, stroke, diabetes and hypertension were predictors of severe disability. Adoption of healthy lifestyles and establishment of rehabilitation centres can help reduce disability prevalence in Ghana.