Which of the following increases the chances of disability?

The correct answer is Option (1) → Poverty

Option (1) Poverty — Correct. There is a close relationship between disability and poverty. Malnutrition, mothers weakened by frequent childbirth, poor immunisation and accidents in overcrowded homes all make disability more common among the poor than among those living in easier circumstances. The link runs both ways: disability in turn deepens poverty by adding isolation and economic strain on the family.

Option (2) Higher education — Incorrect. Education does not make a person impaired; what raises the chance of disability are the conditions of poverty, such as malnutrition and poor immunisation.

Option (3) Ethnicity — Incorrect. Ethnicity is a group identity based on shared culture, language or descent. Belonging to a group does not by itself raise the chance of disability; the conditions of poverty do.

Option (4) Karma — Incorrect. The common perception sees disability as retribution for past karma (actions), with destiny as the culprit. This is a cultural belief that blames the disabled person; it does not explain why disability is more frequent among some people, which is a matter of social conditions.