Self-reported disability and its association with obesity and physical activity in Australian adults: Results from a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of disability has been previously observed in developed countries. Identifying trends in its prevalence and risk, as well as protective factors of disability, are essential to establish effective prevention strategies. OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study are to outline trends in the prevalence of disability among Australian adults and to analyse the relationship between obesity, and physical activity with disability. DESIGN: A retrospective longitudinal research design. METHODS: The study utilized the most recent 14 waves (wave 6 through 19) of the nationally-representative Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey (2006–2019). The Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) with the logistic link function model was employed to estimate the relationships between obesity and physical activity with disability. The final study sample consisted of 189,519 person-year observations from 26,208 participants. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of disability in adults is 28%. The prevalence of disability among older adults (65 and above years) is more than 50%, irrespective of gender. Further, it identifies obesity and physical activity as risk and protective factors of disability for adults, respectively. The odds of acquisition of a disability was 1.33 times (Odds Ratios [OR]: 1.33, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.28–1.39) higher among obese adults than healthy weight counterparts. However, adults undertaking recommended level of physical activity (more than thrice a week to everyday) per week have 17% (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.81–0.85) lower chances of disability acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity imposes a significant toll on adult Australians' health. This risk factor of disability can be reduced through public health interventions.