Characterising people with disabilities at the population level using the ICF approach is a challenge, as it implies that researchers are able to identify variables that can account for the components that make up the multidimensional definition of disability. The purpose of this study is to generate updated information on disability in Uruguay, as there has been no in-depth analysis of how this population lives, how they access the services and benefits that affect their quality of life, and what the significant differences are between those who make up this population. A quantitative analysis was applied to the target population, consisting of participants in the Longitudinal Survey of Social Protection (2016) who reported at least one limitation in performing ADLs and who were in the age range of 18–64 years. Significant differences were found between the different groups in terms of their reported limitations in relation to obtaining necessary services due to their health condition, dropping out of education before completing the compulsory level, low labour market insertion, feelings of loneliness, and low participation. More research needs to be done as it is clear that people with disabilities do not have access to the support they need, which leads to even greater exclusion.

Background Older adults living in the community may have daily needs for help to perform different types of activities. In developing countries, older adults face the additional challenge of lacking sufficient economic means to face their increasing needs with ageing, and health and social policies may be under pressure. The aim of this study was to assess dependency in the older population from a developing country using a latent class approach to identify heterogeneity in the type of activities in which dependent older adults require help. Methods In this cross-sectional evaluation of dependency, we considered individuals aged 60 years and older from a nationally representative study (N = 5138) in Uruguay. We fitted latent class regressions to analyse dependency, measured by the need for help to perform Activities of Daily Living, adjusted by sociodemographic characteristics. Results Four latent classes were identified, 86.4% of the individuals were identified as non-dependent, 7.4% with help requirements to perform instrumental activities while individuals in the other two classes need help to perform all types of activities with different degrees (4.3 and 1.9%). Less educated women are more likely to be in the group with needs in instrumental activities. Conclusions The heterogeneous patterns of dependency have to be addressed with different services that meet the specific needs of dependent older adults.

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El presente estudio pretende mostrar la utilidad del World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHO-DAS II) (OMS, 2009) para analizar el perfil epidemiológico de personas con discapacidad. Se aplica, a su vez, un cuestionario que recoge información relacionada con la salud y la discapacidad de 247 usuarios/as de prestaciones públicas de la ciudad de Montevideo (Uruguay). Se proponen como objetivos identificar el perfil poblacional con discapacidad entrevistado, relacionar el uso de la prestación que declaran con los espacios socio-sanitarios en los que participa, determinar las necesidades de apoyo para la realización de las actividades de la vida diaria e identificar necesidades de acceso a servicios e inclusión social. Se concluye que es posible utilizar el WHO-DASII (OMS, 2009) para conocer el perfil poblacional y, en detalle, la existencia de barrearas y facilitadores para la participación en comunidad, ocio, acceso a la salud e inclusión laboral y educativa.

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