Disability in late adolescence. II: Follow-up of perceived limitation

The disabilities experienced by a large cohort of 18-year-olds have been reported in the previous paper of this series. In this paper, we present the results of a detailed examination of the extent to which the disabilities caused limitation in the everyday activities of this group of young people. The results showed that nearly three-quarters of the members of the sample reported having one or more difficulties in performing activities in their daily lives, though the extent of limitation on their activities was low for most adolescents. Of this group who reported any type of disablement, 23% indicated it imposed very little general limitation on their lives (on a five point scale) and 6% rated it at the highest degree of limitation. Approximately half those with a disability felt the condition was improving, but 28% required an aid or help from another person. From 8% to 11% of those with a disability rated it as serious in relation to aspects of their daily living (education, leisure, social and work) and about half of those with a serious degree of limitation had sought help. The most common disabilities related to behaviour, communication and situations, for example environmental factors. As part of an ongoing study, the results provide a base from which to examine the extent and severity of disability among young people and change in disability as a result of the ageing process.