title: Disability prevalence among adults: estimates for 54 countries and progress toward a global estimate.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We estimated disability prevalence among adults at global, regional and country levels using internationally comparable disability data and measure.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the World Health Survey (WHS) (2002-2004) for nationally representative samples of civilian, non-institutionalized populations in 54 countries. A disability was measured as having at least one severe or extreme difficulty with bodily functions (seeing, concentrating) and activities (moving around, self-care) based on an individual's self-reports.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the 54 countries under study, severe or extreme functional or activity difficulties are highly prevalent. For all countries, disability prevalence is estimated at 14% for all adults. Low and middle income countries have higher disability prevalence compared to high income countries. Among subgroups, disability prevalence stands at 12% among working age adults and 39% among the elderly. Women have higher prevalence than men.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Disability is found to be highly prevalent among adults, with an estimated global prevalence at 14%. Disability deserves enhanced policy attention and resources in public health and international development.
authors: Department of Economics and Center for International Policy Studies, Fordham University, Bronx , NY , USA and.
authors: Sophie
authors: S
authors: Mitra
authors: Usha
authors: U
authors: Sambamoorthi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019049:Developed Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D064702:International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors
keywords: Adults; international; prevalence