La incapacidad por problemas de salud en la población de Santiago

Abstract

A survey performed in an aleatory sample of 1.000 homes and 4.663 people from Santiago in 1993-94 identified those persons with disability problems. A 9,9% out of total population has some degree of disability related to chronic diseases or accidents; 2,3 can not work or study, 1,5% has problems with home or personal activities and 0,2% should stay in bed. Prevalence rates were higher in women and increase from childrens age (3,5%) to old age population (32%). Disability was higher in low income level population, specially severe disability with rates of 0,6% level groups 1,7% in medium level and 3,2 in low level population groups. One half of disabilities are related to circulatory diseases (24%), chronic rheumatic illnesses (15%) or respiratory disturbances (11%); mental, nervous and metabolic diseases represent one third out of total disability problems. Main diagnosis related to disability are blood hypertension, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, lumbar troubles and osteoarthrosis. Findings of disabled persons it’ the 1992 Population Census and National Fund Disability Act are discussed in this paper.