Caregivers level of information and Access to Rehabilitation Therapy among Children with Disability, in West Bengal, India
Abstract
Poverty is a social condition characterized by the lack of resources necessary for basic survival or necessary to meet a certain minimum level of living standards. Thus, poverty affects ones’ general social functioning but to a great extent health care. The effects of poverty in families of children with disabilities are very grave. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of caregivers’ level of information and caregivers’ education levels, have on access to rehabilitation therapy for their children with disabilities in West Bengal, India. The study adopted a cross-sectional methodology targeting 108 caregivers which indicated that traditional cultural beliefs influenced access to rehabilitation therapy for children with disabilities. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics. The specific descriptive statistics included means and standard deviations. Witchcraft topped among traditional beliefs that were perceived to cause disability among the children. Many were aware of the nature of their child’s disability and thus could seek rehabilitation therapy. The most common forms of disabilities according to the study was Cerebral Palsy and others like Autism, Paraplegia, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Club Feet, Mental Disability and Hydrocephalus also being recorded. Most caregivers had attained secondary level of education and primary education. With the level of education possibly implying level of awareness and understanding about the nature of disabilities, which further influence access to rehabilitation therapy. The study concludes that caregivers’ level of information influences access to rehabilitation therapy for children with disabilities. Awareness training may be through seminars, church announcements and media communication through radio, televisions and newspapers. Government through Ministry of Health of India could also embark in sensitizing residents of West Bengal on disabilities and available rehabilitation therapies for children.
Key words: Poverty, Rehabilitation Therapy, Children, Disabilities, West Bengal
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