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Matheri J.1,2, Anthea R.3, Frantz J.3, Karanja S.4
1Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya, 2University of the Western Cape, Department of Physiotherapy, Cape Town, South Africa, 3University of the Western Cape, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa, 4Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, School of Public Health, Nairobi, Kenya
Background: Utilization of support services is a choice determined by environmental demands, individual characteristics and availability of appropriate resources. There is however inconclusive evidence about these factors predicting utilization of support services by persons with disabilities.
Purpose: To determine the predictors of utilization of support services by persons with disabilities in Kenya.
Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing quantitative methods was conducted in 2015. The research team revisited households where persons with disabilities (PWDs) lived (n= 133). A random sample of 20 students and teachers with disabilities from a local secondary school were included. A validated, reliable interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Guardians voluntarily gave written consents for underage or illiterate persons to participate. However, children under 5 years were excluded to avoid proxy-response bias. Firstly, multiple linear regression statistical tests were performed using demographic variables (age, gender, income, level of education and type of disability) as independent variables and each outcome variable representing utilization of a service as the dependent variable. Same procedure was done for all services, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0. Secondly, multiple linear regression tests were performed using factors, extracted during factor analysis, as independent variables and each outcome variable as the dependent variable. All factors items were entered hierarchically (backward method).
Results: A total of 153 persons with disabilities participated. Gender significantly predicted utilization of education services. Age, accessibility and having information significantly predicted utilization of vocational training services ((F (3,147) = 57.584, p .001) with an adjusted R2 of .531). Level of education significantly predicted utilization of health services (p=.041). Beliefs were significant predictors of utilization of counselling services (p=.001). Only accessibility and attitude of service provider predicted utilization of Faith healer services (p .001). Annual family income (p .035), being a government employee, affordability and service provider skills predicted utilization of sign language interpreter services ((F (3,148) = 74,154 p .001) with an adjusted R2 of .592.). Gender also significantly predicted utilization of personal assistance services. Education level (p= .026) and autonomy (p .001) significantly predicted independent living. Education level (p .015) also significantly predicted utilization of transport services.
Conclusion(s): Several factors interact to predict utilization of support services. Further, some independent factors (gender, education level and autonomy) have significant predictive influence over the use of certain support services.
Implications: The findings have implications for physiotherapy education and practice that should include sign language skills. There are also implications for planning and provision of support services to persons with disabilities.
Funding acknowledgements: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology research fund for staff development received and used in data collection.
Topic: Disability & rehabilitation
Ethics approval: The Kenyatta National Hospital-University of Nairobi and the University of the Western Cape Ethical Review Committees approved this study
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
