Which population groups are at risk and why?
This section will focus on core epidemiological issues that take account of fixed risk factors (such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history) and modifiable risk factors (such as behaviour). The wider determinants of health (such as housing, transport and environment) are also considered.
Age
Disability prevalence increases significantly with age. In deprived areas, disability prevalence is higher among middle-aged adults but still low than in older age groups7.
Risk increases with age due to chronic conditions, mobility issues and sensory decline.
Gender
Women report higher rates of disability than men across all age groups, partly due to longer life expectancy and higher rates of chronic conditions which contribute to physical and sensory impairments8.
A study found that women with disabilities were 7.2 times more likely than men without disabilities to report unmet healthcare needs due to cost, transportation or long waiting lists9.
Socioeconomic status
A Lancaster University report shows individuals lower down the socioeconomic ladder have significantly higher chances of experiencing physical and sensory impairments due to systemic inequalities linked to education, income and occupation. Poverty, poor housing and limited access to healthcare contribute to risk10.
The Deaton Review by the Institute for Fiscal Studies show disability prevalence is strongly associated with deprivation. Individuals in more deprived regions and with lower educational attainment are more likely to experience functional limitations. The review highlights that disability is a social and economic issue alongside health8.
Young people from deprived areas face barriers to physical activity which contributes to long-term physical health11.
Qualifications
A Commons Library Briefing shows education is a key determinant of disability outcomes as lower qualification levels are associated with poorer employment, housing and health which contribute to risk12.
An Oxford Open Economics report shows people with lower levels of education have disability rates comparable to those with degrees who are decades older. Such disparities emerge early in life and persist suggesting that socioeconomic disadvantage accelerates health decline13.
Ethnicity
A combination of biological, social and systemic factors (particularly among older women) increase risk for those within South Asian and African Caribbean ethnic groups 14, 15.
Prisoners
Prisoners face barriers to accessing healthcare which contribute to undiagnosed or poorly managed physical and sensory conditions, especially among older prisoners16.
Neurodivergent individuals are overrepresented in the prison population who’s conditions often co-occur with sensory processing issues and physical health challenges, increasing disability risk17
Vulnerable Children
Vulnerable children face greater barriers to diagnosis and intervention which increases the risk of long-term disability18.