The prevalence of disability and contributory factors in Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia region

Abstract

To determine the prevalence, types, time of disability, and the factors leading to disability in all age groups in the population. A cross-sectional design was used to study a group of 1069 people in the center of Hazro province in Turkey’s Southeastern Anatolia Region. Data were collected by visiting 199 households and by face-to-face questionnaire. A survey form for households and a Disabled Person Evaluation Form were used. Of the participants, 55.7% were male, 27.1% primary school graduates, and 39.5% were married. The frequency of consanguineous marriages in the region was 44.6%. The prevalence of disability was determined as 13.8%. The most common types of disability are; chronic visceral disorders (56.0%), skeletal system disorders (29.8%), hearing disorders (13.5%). It was determined that 21.6% of the disabled were born with disabilities, and for 78.4% it occurred after birth. The prevalence of congenital disabilities in those with consanguineous marriage of parents (p = 0.000) and those with disabilities in family history (p < 0.05) was higher than that of the non-disabled. Disability prevalence was higher than the average in Turkey. It has been determined that chronic diseases are common in the society; most of the disabilities occur after birth and genetic disorders, and consanguineous marriages are an important problem.