The Disability Epidemiology Research Group (EpiDIS) is a multidisciplinary research group based within the School of Medicine at the Universidad Científica del Sur (Peru). EpiDIS brings together researchers and professionals from diverse disciplines to generate high-quality scientific evidence that contributes to improving the health, functioning, participation, and quality of life of persons with disabilities.
Disability affects more than 1.3 billion people worldwide and remains closely linked to persistent inequities in health, education, employment, transportation, and social participation. Despite growing international recognition of disability rights, many persons with disabilities continue to experience barriers that limit their access to essential services and opportunities. EpiDIS was established to address these challenges through rigorous epidemiological and public health research capable of informing evidence-based policies and practices.
Our research integrates epidemiology, clinical sciences, public health, rehabilitation, health services research, and implementation science. The multidisciplinary nature of our team enables us to examine disability from multiple perspectives and to develop innovative solutions that address both individual needs and structural barriers. We collaborate with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, civil society organizations, and organizations of persons with disabilities to ensure that our research has scientific relevance and real-world impact.
EpiDIS's research is organized around two complementary tracks.
Four strategic lines guide our primary data collection:
- Barriers to healthcare service access for persons with disabilities.
- Wellbeing and quality of life of caregivers of persons with disabilities.
- Environmental accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- Assistive technology for persons with disabilities.
In parallel, our Social Epidemiology of Disability track applies secondary analysis of population-based surveys to document disability inequities across Peru, Chile, and Colombia.
In addition to conducting research, EpiDIS is committed to strengthening research capacity through student training, scientific mentorship, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We promote open science, transparent research practices, and effective knowledge translation to maximize the societal impact of our work.
Our vision is to become a leading research group in disability epidemiology and public health in Latin America, producing evidence that supports more inclusive health systems, informs public policy, and contributes to reducing health inequities experienced by persons with disabilities.
On one of the busiest streets in the city of Tacna, southern Peru, a person with visual impairment begs for alms while vehicles and pedestrians pass by. This image illustrates not only the physical vulnerability associated with urban hazards but also the social exclusion experienced by many people with disabilities in the country. The scene highlights how limited employment opportunities, inaccessible public spaces, and the lack of effective inclusion policies compel many people with disabilities to seek a livelihood under precarious conditions.
Photograph by Jhonnel Alarco.