The current health of the signing Deaf community in the UK compared with the general population: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To assess the current health of the Deaf community in the UK and compare with the general population.

Design

A quota sample of adult Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users underwent a health assessment and interview in 2012-2013. Comparative data were obtained from the Health Survey for England (HSE) 2011 and the Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) 2012.

Setting

Participants completed a structured interview and health assessment at seven Bupa centres across the UK, supported in BSL by Deaf advisers and interpreters.

Participants

298 Deaf people, 20-82 years old, 47% male, with 12% from ethnic minorities.

Main outcome measures

Self-reported health conditions, medication usage, tobacco and alcohol consumption; measured blood pressure (BP), body mas

SUBMITTER: Emond A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4316428 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature