Empirical Investigation of Disability Prevalence and Social Participation Among Adults in Gombe State

Disability epidemiology in north-eastern Nigeria has received limited attention despite the region's dual burden of conflict-related impairment and chronic neglected tropical disease complications, creating a significant evidence gap for social protection and rehabilitation policy. This study empirically investigated disability prevalence and its association with social participation among adults in Gombe State, North East Nigeria. A population-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Gombe, Funakaye, and Billiri LGAs, enrolling 560 adults aged 18 to 79 through multistage cluster sampling. Disability was assessed using the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning, measuring limitations across six functional domains. Social participation was assessed across employment, education, marriage, community activities, and healthcare access. Logistic regression examined factors associated with disability and reduced participation. Results showed a disability prevalence of 14.8 percent, higher in rural areas (18.6 percent) than urban sites (10.1 percent). Vision impairment (34.1 percent of those with disability) was the most prevalent functional limitation, followed by mobility (28.9 percent) and cognition (18.1 percent). Disability was significantly associated with older age (OR 3.8; p < 0.001), conflict exposure history (OR 2.4; p < 0.001), and lower educational attainment. Social participation was significantly reduced across all assessed domains for persons with disability (p < 0.001). The study provides the first population-based disability prevalence estimate for Gombe State and recommends targeted rehabilitation outreach, inclusive education policy enforcement, and disability-inclusive livelihood programmes. Keywords: disability prevalence, social participation, Washington Group, Gombe State, North East Nigeria