Statistics on persons with disabilities and chronic diseases in 2020
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In 2020, there were some 534 200 persons with disabilities residing in institutions with residential services and in domestic households, constituting 7.1% of the total population of Hong Kong. These persons with disabilities had one or more of the following types of disability: (1) restriction in body movement; (2) seeing difficulty; (3) hearing difficulty; (4) communication difficulty; (5) mental illness/mood disorder; (6) Autism Spectrum Disorder; (7) Specific Learning Difficulties; and (8) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. As the definitions of disability adopted in the survey have been updated in relation to the latest international development in collecting statistical data on disability, the latest results are not directly comparable with past results.
The survey also collected information on persons with intellectual disability residing in institutions and in households. However, there was strong indication of under-reporting in respect of the number of persons with intellectual disability in households as derived from the survey findings. A crude statistical assessment performed by the C&SD based on various relevant data sources indicated that the total number of persons with intellectual disability in Hong Kong in 2020 was likely to be in the region of 77 000 - 90 000.
The survey findings also indicated that some 1 799 100 persons required long-term (i.e. lasting at least 6 months) medical treatment, consultation or medication for certain type(s) of diseases. These persons with chronic diseases constituted 24.1% of the total population of Hong Kong in 2020, compared to 19.2% in 2013.
The detailed findings, concepts and definitions as well as the methodology of the above survey are given in the publication "Special Topics Report No. 63". Apart from the demographic and socio-economic profiles of persons with disabilities and persons with chronic diseases, the report also presents information on their carers, transportation arrangement and usage of information technology. Users can download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=C0000055&scode=380).
Enquiries about the survey findings can be directed to the Special Duty Team of the Social Statistics Branch of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5245 or email: disurvey@censtatd.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, December 17, 2021
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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