Characterization of patients with disabilities in a health area of the municipality of Holguín

Abstract

Introduction: Disability is considered a universal phenomenon, affecting people at some point in their lives, and currently has a high incidence worldwide.

Objective: To characterize patients with disabilities in a health area.

Method: A descriptive observational study was conducted in Family Doctor's Office No. 20 of the Alex Urquiola Polyclinic in Holguín, from January 2022 to December 2024. The study population consisted of 262 patients with some type of disability. The sample was selected using purposive sampling and consisted of 84 patients. Variables used included level of knowledge about disability prevention and management, age, sex, educational level, type of disability, degree of disability, and risk factors for disability. Descriptive statistics were applied.

Results: 29 patients (34.52%) were between 60 and 79 years old, with females predominating at 54.76%. Physical-motor disabilities were the most common at 30.95%, with grade three disabilities being the most frequent at 27.38%. The most frequent risk factor was cardiovascular disease at 66.67%, and 84.52% presented an inadequate level of knowledge about disability prevention.

Conclusions: people with disabilities are usually older women with average levels of education and significant physical limitations, where aging and cardiovascular disease act as the main risk factors, while knowledge about prevention is mostly insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for educational and health interventions aimed at this age group.