Publication: The prevalence and characteristics of disability in Eastern Nepal
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Date
2008
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Disability is related to poverty and development. Enough information and documentation is not
available for developing countries like Nepal.
Aims and Objectives: To assess the self-reported prevalence of disability in terms of age, sex, types, cause and
age of onset.
Methodology: A cross-sectional house to house census was carried out by means of structured questionnaires.
Results: A total of 31160 individuals (4.87%) were found disabled out of a total of 640259 individuals. The
three most common types of disability are physical affecting limbs, hearing and vision. The most common
perceived cause of disability is inborn syndrome followed by injury/accidents.
Discussion: Various publications for the prevalence of reported disability show a figure between three and ten
percent, with physical disability affecting locomotion and manipulation as the leading type of disability. The
prevalence rate can vary depending upon the disability indicators, methods and population surveyed and
perceptions of the people.
Conclusion: The self-reported prevalence of disability in Sunsari District is 4.87%, with inborn-syndrome as the
leading perceived cause.
Key words: Disability, types, cause, Nepal
Description
Karkee R1, Yadav BK2, Chakravartty A3, Shrestha DB4
1Senior Instrutor, 2Assistant professor, 3Instructor, 4Professor, School of Public Health, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan