Sociodemographic profile of people with disabilities in rural areas in southern Brazil

Abstract Background People with disabilities (PWD) living in rural areas are subject to various vulnerabilities and inequalities that add to the barriers faced due to disabilities. The study aims to identify the sociodemographic profile of PWD living in rural areas of southern Brazil. Methods Quantitative study and a section of the ongoing research 'Work, Inclusion and Health Problems of People with Disabilities in Rural Scenario: an analysis in the southern region of Brazil', from the Health Studies and Research Group of the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC)/Brazil. Conducted in six municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul with 37,333 inhabitants, 84.3% in the rural area and 32.7% are PWD. The first stage of data collection occurred through the survey of PWD older than 18 years and the second stage through a questionnaire. For statistical and descriptive analysis, the Software SPSS 22.0 was used. The research comply with the Resolution 466/2012 and the Ethics and Research Committee of UNISC approved it under nº. 341658. Results The subjects represent 1.33% of the total population and 1.57% of the rural population of the 6 municipalities. Data were compiled from 495 subjects and 22 of them answered the questionnaire. It was identified 271 subjects from three municipalities, 52.8% were male. The deficiencies were 39.1% intellectual, 25.5% physical, 18.1% auditory, 8.9% visual and 8.6% multiple. Of the 22: 12 were men; 12 were between 18 and 35 years old; 16 with white skin color; 11 did not complete elementary school; 13 with intellectual/mental disabilities; in 18 subjects the deficiencies are of congenital origin; 17 never worked; 5 have already worked and one still work. Conclusions The study shows that the PWD are mostly young men with low level of education, who did not perform work activity and with congenital mental disabilities. Such data are important for planning public policies that are more effective. Key messages Identifying data and the profile of PWD in rural contexts contributes to the development of public policies in the municipalities investigated and can contribute to other locations and regions. People with disabilities (PWD) living in rural areas are subject to various vulnerabilities and inequalities that add to the barriers faced due to disabilities.