Using community‐based interventions to reduce public stigma of children with disabilities: A feasibility study

Abstract

Background Public stigma, or negative community‐held beliefs, about children with disabilities (CWDs) often leads to negative outcomes for CWD and their families. This study considers the effectiveness of four community‐level interventions to reduce public stigma in two Lusaka, Zambia communities. Methods This feasibility study describes four community‐based interventions to provide education to consider whether perceptions of attitudes and stigma towards CWD changed after implementing four educational interventions. Results Results revealed that these interventions were achievable. Preliminary multiple regression analyses indicated a significant impact of attending an event on the attitude scale, while no effect on the stigma scale. Presence at multiple anti‐stigma events exhibited no effect for the stigma scale, while the attitude scale showed significance. Discussion This study builds on the limited research available in low‐income countries to reduce public stigma towards CWD, with the hope of enhance quality of life for CWD and their families.

Do children with disabilities have the same opportunities to play as children without disabilities? Evidence from the multiple indicator cluster surveys in 38 low and middle-income countries

“…Attitudinal barriers, such as negative attitudes and stereotypes towards disability that are held in the household, in the community, and at school, can limit expectations and opportunities for play. 14 Lack of opportunities for interaction with peers and inadequate social support contribute to isolation and exclusion from social play experiences. 15 , 16 Furthermore, lack of appropriate play materials and limited access to outdoor spaces, 17 as well as inaccessible play spaces and equipment that is not designed for their needs, can limit the ability of children with disabilities to engage in physical play and exploration.…”

Community health workers’ provision of physical rehabilitation services in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

“…Of the 36 articles, seven articles were excluded with only 29 articles quali ed for data extraction. Reasons for exclusion following full article screening were inability to access the full text of one study [48], three were study protocols [49][50][51], and two studies did not report evidence of CHWs providing physical rehabilitation services [33,34,43]. Figure 1 presents the screening process.…”

A perspective on policies and practices regarding access to and quality of healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities in Zambia

“…However, sufficient scientific evidence needs to be improved and a knowledge gap exists in research focusing on CBR concerning persons with ID and access to healthcare in Zambia. Scarce literature on the effectiveness of a community‐based approach shows promising findings (Hearst et al, 2022; Hepperlen et al, 2021; Moramarco et al, 2018) Nevertheless, more evidence‐based research and research‐practice collaborations are needed, e.g., to tailor CBR programs, provide evidence for specific governmental support to implement policies into practice in both urban and rural areas of Zambia, and on the possibilities for scaling programs. Scaling CBR programs can increase impact, but it is essential that people with ID and their families are the ones who benefit and are included in the scaling process.…”

“…Community health workers contribute to reducing stigma and discrimination, for example, by showing empathy, understanding, caring, respect and fairness towards persons with ID and their families (Mabvurira, 2020). Also, the involvement of teachers in increasing knowledge of ID, allows persons with ID to be supported by peers in the community (Hepperlen et al, 2021). They can increase access to healthcare by referring community members to health services when needed.…”