Prevalence and factors associated with utilization of rehabilitation services among people with physical disabilities in Kampala, Uganda. A descriptive cross sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundWorldwide, fifteen percent (15%) of the world’s population or one (1) billion people live with some form of disability. In Uganda, 12.4% of the Uganda’s population lives with some form of disability and Kawempe division accounts for (22.6%) of all persons with disabilities living in Kampala district. Rehabilitation services are provided within Kawempe division at Mulago hospital physiotherapy department and Katalemwa rehabilitation center in Kampala district, Uganda at a free and a subsidized cost to help to improve the function, independence, and quality of life of persons with physical disabilities. However, many people with physical disabilities do not utilize the services and the reasons are not clear.MethodsThe study design was a descriptive cross-sectional study employing quantitative methods of data collection. A total of 318 participants were included in the study. Simple random sampling was used to select the study participants. Ethical issues were maintained at all levels during data collection and dissemination of results.ResultsThe study revealed a prevalence of 26.4% of the utilization rehabilitation services among people with physical disabilities in Kawempe division, Kampala, Uganda. Factors that were significantly associated with utilization of rehabilitation services among people with physical disabilities at multivariable logistic regression analysis included; age (AOR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12–0.74), socioeconomic status (AOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.03–4.41), education level (AOR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.34–13.91) and awareness of the participants about the rehabilitation services (AOR: 5.1; 95% CI: 2.74–9.54) at p value ≤0.05.ConclusionThe study revealed a prevalence of 26.4% of the utilization rehabilitation services among people with physical disabilities in Kawempe division, Uganda. Factors that were significantly associated with utilization of rehabilitation services included; age, socioeconomic status, education level and awareness of the participants about the services. Therefore, the government and other relevant stake holders should increase sensitization and awareness of rehabilitation services, their benefits and facilities providing such services to people with physical disabilities, healthcare professionals and the general public.

Self-Awareness Of Persons With Disabilities To Carry Out Rehabilitation, Increasing Participation And Rehabilitation Needs

“…In addition, this study shows results that are not in line with previous research which states the relationship that to change for the better, people with physical disabilities must have good self-awareness, because this is important as part of developing personal abilities through rehabilitation (Srivastava et al, 2014). The difference in the results of this study can be caused by several factors such as educational background, family support, and also the availability of social institutions as a forum for rehabilitation (Zziwa et al, 2019). Internal strengthening in the form of selfawareness is needed to support the implementation of government programs provided to persons with disabilities.…”

“…Various factors relate to the accessibility of rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities (Zziwa et al, 2019). Most persons with disabilities are still lacking in utilizing and accessing rehabilitation services.…”

“…Increased self-awareness of rehabilitation services (Mactaggart et al, 2016), is one of the factors that is significantly related to the utilization of rehabilitation services (Zziwa et al, 2019). Lack of self-awareness (Srivastava et al, 2014) social support is also related to the level of individual independence (Rachmiwanti & Hartosujono, 2015).…”

“…Increasing self-awareness of persons with disabilities is a program implemented to make persons with disabilities aware of rehabilitation services (Srivastava et al, 2014). Increased sensitivity (Zziwa et al, 2019) and self-awareness of rehabilitation encourages the implementation of rehabilitation (Bujawati, Sukfitrianti, & Sari, 2015).…”

Factors Associated With The Use of Rehabilitation Therapies Among Brazilian Adults With Chronic Diseases And Functional Limitations: A Cross-Seccional Study

“…Although the clear bene ts of rehabilitation therapies in the conditions and chronic diseases studied, this was not often reported by the subjects 20,21 . In the case of post-stroke patients, who had moderate to very severe limitations, less than 1/3 were undergoing any therapy due to stroke, an even lower proportion (slightly more than ¼) when considering all the chronic diseases studied 22 .…”