Socioeconomic Determinants of Genetic Disorder in Disabled Persons of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship among family history, genetic markers, family income, occupation, and the presence of genetic disorders in disabled persons in Punjab, Pakistan. The research study uses cross-sectional primary data from 5040 individuals collected with online and manual research questionnaire. The study employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for rigorous assessment of numerical coefficients and also examines reliability, validity, and discriminant validity among the constructs to ensure their distinctiveness within the model. With R-square (0.541) and adjusted R-square (0.529), the results show that Socioeconomic indicators (Family income & employment, and Occupation) and family history have significant positive while genetic indicators like genetic markers have a negative impact on the presence of genetic disorder in disabled persons. The results also showed that mediation effects (the access to education and access to healthcare) demonstrate a significant negative impact on the presence of genetic disorders in disabled persons, where we safely say that with the increase in access to education and access to healthcare, genetic disorders in disabled persons can be removed or overcome in Punjab, Pakistan. Based on findings, recommendations are proposed for better decisions of officials and policymakers in the betterment and favor of disabled persons in Punjab, Pakistan.