Disability Attributed to Mental Disorders in China

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of disabilities attributed to mental disorders and their distributions in China, and to explore the determinants of disabilities attributed to the mental disorders. Methods: The current study is secondary data analysis for the Second National Sample Survey on Disability. The determinants of disability were assessed by applying the univariate and multivariable regression analysis. Results: Among 2,526,145 participants sampled in the survey, 15,928 participants were diagnosed as having disabilities attributed to mental disorders. The prevalence of disability attributed to mental disorders was 0.63%. Among 46,886 participants with single physical disability, 446 had comorbid mental disability, and the rate of physical disability with comorbid mental disability was 0.94%. The risk factors associated with coexisting mental disability in persons with physical disability included female gender, 30–44 and 45–59 years age groups, being unmarried, widowed or divorced, and urban background. Schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance were the main disorders associated with mental disability. Conclusions: Disabilities attributed to mental disorders in China should receive more attention. It is important to treat mental disorders for preventing the associated disability and develop related rehabilitation in China.