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J.B. Sagahutu1, M. Kanyoni2, E. Bucyana1, M. Agarwal3, A. Kamweru4, I. Musabyemariya5
1University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Kigali, Rwanda, 2University of Rwanda, Physiotherapy, Kigali, Rwanda, 3University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Prosthetic & Orthopedics, Kigali, Rwanda, 4University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Kigali, Rwanda, 5Humanity & Inclusion, Kigali, Rwanda
Background: It is difficult to implement CBR when there is no baseline information regarding the epidemiology of disabling conditions. Therefore, the Humanity & Inclusion in collaboration with the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences has conducted the interdisciplinary community attachment in Rutsiro District-Rwanda. To collect the baseline data for CBR programme.
Purpose: To determine the profile and rehabilitation needs of persons with disabilities in Rutsiro District-Rwanda.
Methods: A multi-stage sampling method was employed. Seven Villages were selected. Community sensitization and door to- door survey was conducted by the interdisciplinary team included community members and students from Prosthetics and Orthotics, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. The Washington Group children and adults versions were used. The individual assessment was also performed to identify the activity limitations, participation restriction, and rehabilitation needs using instrument developed based on ICF.
Results: A total of 989 households were surveyed with 4712 population. Prevalence of disability was 12.9 % (n=609). 26.1% of children (5-17 years) and 34.5% of adults don’t know reading and writing; where 20% of children at school age and 24.3 % of adults never attended school. The most difficulties experienced by CWDs (below 5 years) included difficulty playing (46.2 %) and difficulty walking compared to other children with the same age (a lot of difficulties= 42.3%). The majority of adults with disabilities (64.1%) experienced difficulty in seeing. The most frequent needs were social, Physical rehabilitation, and educational support.
Conclusion(s): The profile and rehabilitation needs of persons with disabilities in Rutsiro District were determined. The interdisciplinary community attachment resulted in a great achievement in collaborative practice among community members, students and lecturers from rehabilitation departments at University of Rwanda.
Implications: The results from this survey may serve as baseline to facilitate the implementation of CBR in the surveyed area as it is planned by the Humanity & Inclusion. The interdisciplinary approach may be also used in other setting for Community Based Rehabilitation initiatives.
Funding, acknowledgements: This study was funded by the Humanity & Inclusion known as Fédération Handicap International (HI), Rwanda.
Keywords: Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Rehabilitation, Persons with Disabilities
Topic: Community based rehabilitation
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Committee: Institution Review Board (IRB)
Ethics number: CMHS/IRB/276/2019
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
