OBJECTIVE: Estimating the prevalence of disability in a displaced Colombian population. METHODS: A descriptive prevalence study was carried out amongst 165 displaced families in the city of Popayán, Cauca, Colombia between June and December 2003. The information was collected via a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic and biological variables. RESULTS: There was 8.5 % disability in the population being studied. Regarding the type of disability 5.6 %, 0.7 % and 1.2 % prevalence was found for physical, sensory and mental disability, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Being disabled, added to that of being displaced, has become a public health problem as it affects a large group of individuals and families and also has a negative impact on society by affecting the productivity and development of human resources.
OBJECTIVE: Estimating the prevalence of disability in a displaced Colombian population. METHODS: A descriptive prevalence study was carried out amongst 165 displaced families in the city of Popayán, Cauca, Colombia between June and December 2003. The information was collected via a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic and biological variables. RESULTS: There was 8.5 % disability in the population being studied. Regarding the type of disability 5.6 %, 0.7 % and 1.2 % prevalence was found for physical, sensory and mental disability, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Being disabled, added to that of being displaced, has become a public health problem as it affects a large group of individuals and families and also has a negative impact on society by affecting the productivity and development of human resources.