Assessment of Disability Occupational and Sociodemographic Correlates in Mayan Communities in Relation to COVID-19 Diagnosis

In assessing disability within rural communities, it is crucial to explore the intersection of sociodemographic and health factors. This cross-sectional study, conducted between June and December 2022 in 16 rural locations in Yucatan, aimed to analyze how sociodemographic and occupational factors influence the perception of disability in Mayan communities, with a particular focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Disability was evaluated disability in a sample of 1049 participants using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS). Descriptive analyses and non-parametric tests were performed to characterize the sample and WHODAS scores. The participants’ mean age was 39.26 ± 17.87 years, and significant differences in disability perception were observed in relation to a COVID-19 diagnosis. Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis reported higher levels of disability in the domains of cognition and community participation (p < 0.05). Age strongly influenced disability (p < 0.05). Additionally, education was negatively associated with disability, suggesting that individuals with lower educational attainment were more likely to report higher disability (p < 0.05). These findings contribute to the understanding of disability in the rural Mayan context.