To identify disability subtypes among Singaporean youth, examine sociodemographic factors, and assess their relationships with psychological distress and healthcare utilization, highlighting the public health significance.
Key Findings:
Four disability classes identified: high difficulty (7.8%), moderate social and functional difficulty (13.8%), high physical and cognitive difficulty (6.7%), and no/low difficulty (71.7%), representing proportions of the sample.
Youth in the high difficulty class were more likely to be of Malay and Indian ethnicity and have lower educational attainment.
High difficulty class had higher odds of moderate (OR=3.2) and severe/very severe depression (OR=4.1), as well as moderate (OR=2.2) and severe/very severe anxiety (OR=3.6).
Higher odds of hospital admissions, A&E visits, and contact with healthcare providers were noted in high difficulty and moderate social and functional classes.
Interpretation:
Distinct disability profiles among Singaporean youth are linked to psychological distress and higher healthcare use, suggesting the need for targeted interventions.
Limitations:
Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
Self-reported data may introduce bias, and cultural factors may influence reporting.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the need for earlier identification and targeted interventions for youths experiencing functional difficulties and psychological distress, addressing disparities in healthcare access.
