title: The current health of the signing Deaf community in the UK compared with the general population: a cross-sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the current health of the Deaf community in the UK and compare with the general population.
  
  
  METHODS
  A quota sample of adult Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users underwent a health assessment and interview in 2012-2013. Comparative data were obtained from the Health Survey for England (HSE) 2011 and the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) 2012.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants completed a structured interview and health assessment at seven Bupa centres across the UK, supported in BSL by Deaf advisers and interpreters.
  
  
  METHODS
  298 Deaf people, 20-82 years old, 47% male, with 12% from ethnic minorities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Self-reported health conditions, medication usage, tobacco and alcohol consumption; measured blood pressure (BP), body mass index, fasting blood sugar and lipid profile.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Rates of obesity in the Deaf sample were high, especially in those over 65 years, and 48% were in a high risk group for serious illness. High BP readings were obtained in 37% of Deaf people (21% in HSE): 29% were unaware of this (6% in HSE). Only 42% of Deaf people being treated for hypertension had adequate control, compared with 62% of the general population. Deaf people with self-reported cardiovascular disease (CVD) were significantly less than the general population. One-third of Deaf participants had total cholesterol >5 mmol/L but although control rates were high compared with HSE, treatment rates for self-reported CVD were half the general population rate. Eleven per cent of Deaf participants had blood sugar at prediabetic or diabetic levels, and 77% of those at prediabetic levels were unaware of it. Deaf respondents self-reported more depression (31% of women, 14% of men), but less smoking (8%) and alcohol intake (2-8 units/week).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Deaf people's health is poorer than that of the general population, with probable underdiagnosis and undertreatment of chronic conditions putting them at risk of preventable ill health.
authors.affiliation: School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Emond
authors.affiliation: School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ridd
authors.affiliation: Deaf Studies Trust, The Vassall Centre, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Hilary
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sutherland
authors.affiliation: Deaf Studies Trust, The Vassall Centre, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Lorna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Allsop
authors.affiliation: SignHealth, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.affiliation: Deaf Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kyle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002784:Cholesterol
keywords: Deaf; MENTAL HEALTH