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

Swaibu Zziwa, Harriet Babikako, Doris Kwesiga, Olive Kobusingye, Jacob A. Bentley, Frederick Oporia, Rebecca Nuwematsiko, Abdulgafoor Bachani, Lynn M. Atuyambe, Nino Paichadze

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, 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. Methods: The 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. Results: The 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. Conclusion: The 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1742
JournalBMC public health
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 27 2019

Keywords

  • People with physical disability
  • Rehabilitation services and Kawempe division

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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