Determination of eligibility for disability pension is a challenging area in view of the
complexities surrounding defining and measuring disability. Currently there is an
absence of eligibility criteria for the disability pension in Namibia, and people with
disabilities have described the process of getting the disability pension as extremely
difficult. To improve the process of determining eligibility for disability pension
knowledge of the current factors associated with approval or rejection of disability
pension should be available.
The study aimed to explore and describe characteristic factors of approved and rejected
disability pension applications and, to identify factors associated with determination of
eligibility for disability pension in the Khomas Region. The objectives of the study were
to describe socio-demographic and medical factors that characterize approved and
rejected disability pension applications in the Khomas Region and to identify factors
positively or negatively associated with rejection of disability pension applications in the
Khomas Region.
A quantitative, analytic, case-control study design based on records was used. The
population consisted of all disability pension applications processed between 1 January
2008 and 31 December 2010 in the Khomas Region. The population size matched the
estimated sample size. Cases were the rejected applications for a disability pension and
controls were those applications that were approved. A data extraction form was used to
collect data from disability pension application forms. Data were analyzed using Epi
vi
info statistical package version 3.5.1. Ethical considerations were observed during all
stages of the study.
Low educational level, unemployment, lack of income, and having a permanent health
condition are factors that typically characterize disability pension applications in the
Khomas Region. At 95.0% CI, considering Odds Ratios and p<0.05, there was a high
association between rejection of disability pension applications and: being fit for open
labour employment setting; and a lower disability percentage. Approval of disability
pension applications was highly associated with: disability that will worsen; mental
functions affected; reduced life expectancy and being unfit for any type of employment
setting. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that personal care abilities;
possible intervention to restore work ability of applicant; and percentage of disability
were significant in determining disability pension eligibility in the Khomas Region.
The factors associated with determination of eligibility for disability pension in the
Khomas Region followed the international trends. However, the process can be
improved through responsive policy formulation and the development of clear eligibility
criteria to make the assessment more objective and holistic.