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Quantifying disability using the Washington Group questionnaire: prevalence and patterns by age and sex in Indonesia

Author

Listed:
  • Evi Nurvidya Arifin

    (Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link)

  • Aris Ananta

    (Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link
    Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesi)

  • Chang Yau Hoon

    (Universiti Brunei Darussalam)

Abstract

Recognising disability prevalence is essential for shaping population policy, as well as for public health and economic initiatives, that address the specific needs of people with disabilities (PwDs). However, disability statistics often receive inadequate attention in developing countries like Indonesia. This study addresses the gap by using disability measurements based on the Washington Group Short Set Enhanced, applied to data sets from the 2018 National Socio-Economic Survey (SUSENAS). It quantifies disabilities across three severity degrees, with each degree having eight domains, disaggregated by sex and age, to understand the prevalences, patterns, and median age of PwDs. Descriptive statistics and graphical analyses are conducted to explore age and sex patterns. The study finds that women consistently show a higher prevalence than men. It highlights the dominance of visual and walking disabilities across all severity degrees, along with a steady rise in disability prevalence with age. While the increase is initially gradual, it accelerates sharply in older age groups across both domains and severity degrees. Disability among the working-age population is also notable, underscoring the need for stronger policy interventions. Key domains —vision, mobility, and hearing— require targeted attention to effectively address disability in Indonesia’s ageing population.

Suggested Citation

  • Evi Nurvidya Arifin & Aris Ananta & Chang Yau Hoon, 2025. "Quantifying disability using the Washington Group questionnaire: prevalence and patterns by age and sex in Indonesia," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 42(2), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joprea:v:42:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s12546-025-09373-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s12546-025-09373-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yeo, Rebecca & Moore, Karen, 2003. "Including Disabled People in Poverty Reduction Work: "Nothing About Us, Without Us"," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 571-590, March.
    2. Aris Ananta & Evi Nurvidya Arifin & Ahman Irsan A Moeis, 2021. "Perceived Financial Adequacy in Old Age: A Case Study in Indonesia," Malaysian Journal of Economic Studies, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Malaya & Malaysian Economic Association, vol. 58(2), pages 199-216, December.
    3. Sophie Mitra & Usha Sambamoorthi, 2013. "Disability Prevalence among Adults: Estimates for 54 Countries and Progress towards a Global Estimate," Fordham Economics Discussion Paper Series dp2013-06, Fordham University, Department of Economics.
    4. Jan Priebe, 2018. "Disability and Its Correlates in a Developing Country Context: Evidence from Multiple Datasets and Measures," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(4), pages 657-681, April.
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