Korean J Rehabil Nurs.  2024 Jun;27(1):48-57. 10.7587/kjrehn.2024.48.

Functional Status and Health Service Accessibility of the Disabled Children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

• Jeon E
• Ha T
• Oh HK

• KMID: 2557802
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7587/kjrehn.2024.48

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the functional status and health service accessibility of the disabled children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods
The research design for this study was a descriptive survey using convenience sampling using questionnaires. A total of 184 subjects were used to analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS program version 22.0 to conduct independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA tests, χ² tests, and multiple regressions.
Results
The disabled children had more difficulty accessing health services compared to those without any disabilities. Factors negatively influencing health service accessability were inadequate drugs or medical equipment (t=2.18, p=.031), inability to afford transportation(t=3.00, p=.003), and inability afford the medical costs (t=2.54, p=.012). Also, Mother’s anxiety (β=-.50, p<.001) and child’s education experience (β=.22, p=.029) were identified as the influencing factors on the barriers to health care services. The relevant variables showed 30.5% influence (F=16.60, p<.001) on the barriers to health care services in disabled children.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that in order to enhance the disabled children‘s accessibility to health services, governmental support for transportation and medical costs are needed. In addition, it is necessary to promote the mental health of mothers raising children with disabilities.

Keyword

Disabled children; Functional status; Health services accessibility