Factors associated with disability among the adult population in Nepal
Abstract Introduction Disability is a significant public health issue in Nepal. It has biological, social, and economic impacts on individuals, families, and the wider society. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors associated with disability among the population aged 15 years and over in...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00760-x |
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| Summary: | Abstract Introduction Disability is a significant public health issue in Nepal. It has biological, social, and economic impacts on individuals, families, and the wider society. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors associated with disability among the population aged 15 years and over in Nepal. Methods This study employs a quantitative approach using secondary data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022. The survey data were utilized to analyse disability prevalence among 18,929 respondents aged 15 years and older. The study utilized the data incorporating the Washington Group on Disability to assess functional limitations across six key functional domains–vision, hearing, communication, cognition, mobility, and self-care. Statistical analysis, including weighted prevalence of any disability using statistical association (using chi square) and multivariable logistic regression with background variables were employed. Results Among the respondents, one-third reported at least one form of disability. The sample comprised 56.7% females and 43.3% males, with 58.7% aged 25–29 years. In the adjusted model, the significant predictors of disability included age, sex, marital status, household size, education, wealth index, ecological zone, province, and residence. One-third of the study population noticed some kind of disability. Moreover, the magnitude of the problem seems higher in population aged over 60 years (74%), female (34%), widow/divorced/separated (71%), 1–3 member household (41%), no education (55%), the poorest wealth status (42%), lived in mountain (41%), Sudurpaschim province (43%) and rural residence (36%) that are more than respective reference categories. Moreover, older age groups (25–59: AOR = 3.56; 95% CI [3.09–4.10]; 60 +: AOR = 15.21; 95% CI: [12.80–18.07]) presented greater odds. Males had higher odds of experiencing at least one disability (AOR: 1.06; 95% CI [0.98–1.14]). Widowed/divorced individuals (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI [1.59–2.08]) were at greater risk. Disability is statistically high in small households (AOR of 7 +: = 0.59; 95% CI [0.53–0.65]), low education (no education: AOR = 4.54; 95% CI [3.66—5.62]), poor wealth quintiles (poorest: AOR = 1.35; 95% CI [1.17–.55]), and certain provinces (e.g., Karnali: AOR = 3.48; 95% CI [2.87–4.22]). Conclusion The study highlights significant predictors of disability, including age, marital status, education, wealth, and residence. Older age, widowhood, lower education, poorer wealth, and rural residence were associated with higher disability odds. Provincial and ecological variations emphasise the need for inclusive, region-specific healthcare policies to reduce disability-related inequities. |
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| ISSN: | 3005-0774 |