Physical impairments among adults in Denmark: a register-based study
Helene Nikolajsen1,2, Camilla Marie Larsen3,4, Anders Holsgaard-Larsen5,6
1Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. hnikolajsen@health.sdu.dk.
BMC Public Health
|December 22, 2022
Summary
This study reveals that physical impairments affect over half a million adults in Denmark, with osteoarthritis being most common. Individuals with impairments are generally older, more often female, and have lower employment and education levels compared to the general population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Limited knowledge exists regarding the prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics of physical impairments.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for effective public health planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of physical impairments in Danish adults, both overall and by diagnostic subgroup.
- To describe the socio-demographic and socio-economic profile of adults with physical impairments.
- To compare these profiles with the general adult population in Denmark.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, cross-sectional, register-based study utilizing data from the Danish National Patient Register and Statistics Denmark.
- Inclusion of adults with physical impairments diagnosed by December 31, 2018.
- Comparison of socio-demographic and socio-economic variables (sex, age, region, origin, education, occupation, marital status) with the general adult population.
Main Results:
- Over 606,000 adults with physical impairments were identified.
- Osteoarthritis was the most prevalent diagnosis (69.4%), followed by acquired brain injury (29.0%).
- Adults with physical impairments were more likely to be female, older, less educated, less employed, and more often married than the general population.
Conclusions:
- Physical impairments, particularly musculoskeletal conditions, affect a significant portion of the Danish adult population.
- Distinct socio-demographic and socio-economic profiles exist across different diagnostic subgroups.
- Findings underscore the need for tailored societal planning in healthcare and social sectors.
Keywords:
DemographyPhysical impairmentPopulation characteristicsPrevalenceRegistrySocio-demographic factorsSocio-economic factors
