Socioeconomic determinants of disability in Eastern Europe. (360G-Wellcome-084209_B_07_Z)

The proposed research will investigate the levels and predictors of disability in urban population samples in three Eastern European countries (Poland, Russia and the Czech Republic). The key scientific goals of the project are: (i) to provide estimates of the prevalence of disability in these populations; (ii) to analyse the association between disability and socioeconomic factors over the life course; (iii) to assess the relative importance of different socioeconomic factors; (iv) and to investigate whether differences in the prevalence of disability between populations can be explained by individual-level socioeconomic variables. An equally important goal is to provide the candidate with comprehensive training in epidemiology and in the area of ageing. The project will use data collected by the HAPIEE study, a large multi-centre study funded by the Wellcome Trust (the candidate is based in the Polish HAPIEE study centre). The baseline survey, completed in 2005, recruited more than 29,000 men and women aged 45-69; Wave II will be completed in 2008. Disability will be defined as impaired physical functioning and reduced ability to perform usual activities of daily life, and the covariates will include socioeconomic status in childhood and adulthood, current income and wealth.