Determinants of Disability in Minority Populations in Spain: A Nationwide Study

Abstract

Some population groups could be especially vulnerable to the effects of population ageing. The Global Activity Limitation Indicator (GALI) has been proposed as a measure of disability, but it has not been used in minority groups. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of disability using the GALI and to analyse its determinants in immigrant and Roma populations. Data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 and the National Health Survey of the Roma Population 2014 were used, including adults aged 50 and above. Prevalence of disability was estimated, and odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression models to assess the association between disability and demographic, socioeconomic, and health variables. The prevalence of disability was estimated at 39.4%, 30.6%, and 58.7% in the native, immigrant, and Roma populations, respectively. Gender was a common determinant for the native and Roma populations. On the other hand, among immigrants, the risk of disability increased over the time residing in Spain. There were significant interactions with age and gender in the native population. Disability has different determinants in the three population groups. Public health measures to protect the Roma population and immigrants’ health should be considered.

Beliefs, Perceptions, and Behaviors Regarding Chronic Respiratory Diseases of Roma in Crete, Greece: A Qualitative FRESH AIR Study

“…Particularly vulnerable to CRDs are Roma (8-10), Europe's largest ethnic minority (11). Especially in older age groups, Roma experience more frequent activity-limiting disabilities and health problems compared to non-Roma (10,12,13). These poor health outcomes have been linked to poverty, deprivation, marginalization, and discrimination across multiple European countries (14)(15)(16).…”

Measuring Disability among Migrants with Washington Group Tools: Reflections for Field Use

“…Limited evidence exists on the proportion of disability among migrant people, though it is acknowledged that migrant people have poor health outcomes, a greater risk of functioning and activity limitations, and restricted participation in society [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Refugees in particular have a significant risk of injury, abuse, and torture during the journey to the host country [ 9 ].…”