To evaluate changes in the age-adjusted prevalence of disability in transitional China from 1987 to 2006. Data from nationally representative surveys conducted in 1987 and 2006 were used to calculate age-adjusted disability prevalence rates by applying appropriate sample weights and directly adjusting to the age distribution of the 1990 Chinese population. Trends were assessed in terms of average annual percentage change. The estimated number of disabled people in China in 1987 and 2006 was 52.7 and 84.6 million, respectively, corresponding to a weighted prevalence of 4.9% and 6.5%. The age-adjusted prevalence of disability decreased by an average of 0.5% per year (average annual percentage change, AAPC: -0.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.7 to -0.4) during 1987-2006. However, it increased by an average of 0.3% (AAPC: 0.3%; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.5) per year in males and by an average of 1.0% (AAPC: 1.0%; 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.2) per year among rural residents, whereas among females it showed an average annual decrease of 1.5% (AAPC: -1.5%; 95% CI: -1.7 to -1.3) and among urban residents, an average annual decrease of 3.9% (AAPC: -3.9%; 95% CI: -4.3 to -3.5). Despite significant declining trends for hearing and speech, intellectual and visual disabilities, the annual age-adjusted prevalence of physical and mental disabilities increased by an average of 11.2% (AAPC: 11.2%; 95% CI: 10.5 to 11.9) and 13.3% (AAPC: 13.3%; 95% CI: 10.7 to 16.2), respectively. In China, the age-adjusted prevalence of disability has declined since 1987, with inconsistencies dependent on the type of disability. These findings call for continuing and specific efforts to prevent disabilities in China.

Every day, more than 3000 people die in motor vehicle crashes around the world, amounting to more than 1.3 million motor vehicle–related deaths worldwide each year—and between 20 million and 50 million more are injured and often left disabled for life.¹ Motor vehicle crashes also have a huge economic impact worldwide, responsible for up to 3% of a country’s gross national product costs per year.¹ In the United States, it is estimated that drowsy driving is responsible for 20% of all motor vehicle crashes, meaning that in the United States alone, drowsy driving may cause 1 million crashes, 50 000 injuries, and 8000 deaths each year.² Young drivers are involved in a disproportionate number of these crashes.³ Adolescents and young adults are at particular risk for sleep deprivation. There are many lifestyle factors that lead to reduced sleep hours in adolescents and young adults, including biological development, academic responsibilities, socialization, and employment, as well as increased use of electronic communication devices.^4-6 Population-based data indicate young adults sleep less than older adults.⁷ Moreover, identical periods of experimental sleep deprivation result in greater sleepiness and impaired attention in younger adults compared with healthy elderly people.⁸ This higher biological sleep need reflects developmental changes in sleep, arousal, and circadian regulation.^4,9

Introduction Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia’s first peoples and have been connected to the land for ≥65 000 years. Their enduring cultures and values are considered critical to health and wellbeing, alongside physical, psychological and social factors. We currently lack large-scale data that adequately represent the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; the absence of evidence on cultural practice and expression is particularly striking, given its foundational importance to wellbeing. Method and analysis Mayi Kuwayu: The National Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing (Mayi Kuwayu Study) will be a large-scale, national longitudinal study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, with linkage to health-related administrative records. The baseline survey was developed through extensive community consultation, and includes items on: cultural practice and expression, sociodemographic factors, health and wellbeing, health behaviours, experiences and environments, and family support and connection. The baseline survey will be mailed to 200 000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (≥16 years), yielding an estimated 16 000–40 000 participants, supplemented through face-to-face recruitment. Follow-up surveys will be conducted every 3–5 years, or as funding allows. The Mayi Kuwayu Study will contribute to filling key evidence gaps, including quantifying the contribution of cultural factors to wellbeing, alongside standard elements of health and risk. Ethics and dissemination This study has received approval from national Human Research Ethics Committees, and from State and Territory committees, including relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. The study was developed and is conducted in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations across states and territories. It will provide an enduring and shared infrastructure to underpin programme and policy development, based on measures and values important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Approved researchers can access confidentialised data and disseminate findings according to study data access and governance protocols.