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Disability and Global Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (21 December 2018) | Viewed by 128981

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Hannah Kuper

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
Interests: disability; health; rehabilitation; low and middle income settings
Dr. Sarah Polack

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
Interests: disability; health; rehabilitation; surveys; low and middle income settings

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There are an estimated one billion people with disabilities, 80% of whom live in low- and middle-income settings. People with disabilities are more likely to be poor, and are also vulnerable to exclusion from education, employment and social participation more generally. Health is also a common concern among people with disabilities, and the relationship between disability and health is complex.

People with disabilities on average are more likely to experience poor health, and so will have higher needs for accessing health care services. These services may be for general healthcare (e.g., vaccination, sexual and reproductive healthcare, or cancer services) or those specifically related to their impairment (e.g., ophthalmology, assistive devices, physiotherapy). Yet, people with disabilities often report experiencing difficulties accessing services, receiving lower-quality services and paying more for healthcare services. Together, this means that people with disabilities are being left behind in terms of improving access to health, which will make achievement of Universal Health Coverage difficult.

This Special Issue is open to any investigation of global health and disability. It will cover a range of different topics, such as inclusive health; access to rehabilitation; universal health coverage and disability; health insurance and disability; equitable quality of care; and preventive care and health promotion for people with disabilities.

We look forward to reading your submissions, and putting together an exciting and impactful Special Issue.

Yours sincerely,

Prof. Hannah Kuper
Dr. Sarah Polack
Dr. Carla Sabariego
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • disability
  • global health
  • SDGs
  • universal health coverage
  • access
  • health services

Published Papers (18 papers)

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14 pages, 292 KiB  
Article
Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Health Services: A Qualitative Study Amongst People with Disabilities in Cameroon and India
by Maria Zuurmond, Islay Mactaggart, Nanda Kannuri, Gudlavalleti Murthy, Joseph Enyegue Oye and Sarah Polack
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(7), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16071126 - 29 Mar 2019
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5734
Abstract
Background: Article 25 of the UNCRPD stipulates the right of people with disabilities to the highest attainable standard of health, and the timely uptake of appropriate health and rehabilitation services. This study seeks to explore the factors which influence access to health [...] Read more.
Background: Article 25 of the UNCRPD stipulates the right of people with disabilities to the highest attainable standard of health, and the timely uptake of appropriate health and rehabilitation services. This study seeks to explore the factors which influence access to health care among adults with disabilities in Cameroon and India. Methods: A total of 61 semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of adults with vision, hearing or musculoskeletal impairments, using data from an earlier cross-sectional disability survey. In addition, 30 key informants were interviewed to provide contextual information about the local services and context. Results: Key themes included individual-level factors, understanding and beliefs about an impairment, and the nature of the impairment and interaction with environmental factors. At the community and household level, key themes were family dynamics and attitudes, economic factors, social inclusion and community participation. Intersectionality with gender and age were cross-cutting themes. Trust and acceptability of health service providers in India and poor understanding of referral processes in both countries were key service-level themes. Conclusions: The interaction of environmental and personal factors with the impairment and their levels of participation and inclusion in community structures, all contributed to the take up of services. This study illustrated the need for a multi-faceted response to improve access to health services for people with disabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
19 pages, 614 KiB  
Article
Global Need for Physical Rehabilitation: Systematic Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
by Tiago S. Jesus, Michel D. Landry and Helen Hoenig
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(6), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16060980 - 19 Mar 2019
Cited by 72 | Viewed by 6383
Abstract
Background: To inform global health policies and resources planning, this paper analyzes evolving trends in physical rehabilitation needs, using data on Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017. Methods: Secondary analysis of how YLDs [...] Read more.
Background: To inform global health policies and resources planning, this paper analyzes evolving trends in physical rehabilitation needs, using data on Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017. Methods: Secondary analysis of how YLDs from conditions likely benefiting from physical rehabilitation have evolved from 1990 to 2017, for the world and across countries of varying income levels. Linear regression analyses were used. Results: A 66.2% growth was found in estimated YLD Counts germane to physical rehabilitation: a significant and linear growth of more than 5.1 billion YLDs per year (99% CI: 4.8–5.4; r2 = 0.99). Low-income countries more than doubled (111.5% growth) their YLD Counts likely benefiting from physical rehabilitation since 1990. YLD Rates per 100,000 people and the percentage of YLDs likley benefiting from physical rehabilitation also grew significantly over time, across locations (all p > 0.05). Finally, only in high-income countries did Age-standardized YLD Rates significantly decrease (p < 0.01; r2 = 0.86). Conclusions: Physical rehabilitation needs have been growing significantly in absolute, per-capita and in percentage of total YLDs. This growth was found globally and across countries of varying income level. In absolute terms, growths were higher in lower income countries, wherein rehabilitation is under-resourced, thereby highlighting important unmet needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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13 pages, 327 KiB  
Article
Intimate Partner Violence among Women with Disabilities in Uganda
by Anne Valentine, Ilhom Akobirshoev and Monika Mitra
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(6), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16060947 - 16 Mar 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4768
Abstract
Violence against women with disabilities is pervasive, yet a paucity of research examines intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by women with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study is to document the prevalence and consequences of IPV exposure among [...] Read more.
Violence against women with disabilities is pervasive, yet a paucity of research examines intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by women with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study is to document the prevalence and consequences of IPV exposure among Ugandan women with disabilities. Cross sectional data from the 2011 and 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys (UDHS) were used to study married and/or partnered women aged 15–49 who answered specific questions about lifetime intimate partner violence (N = 8592). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between disability, IPV, and indicators of maternal and child health. Compared to women without disabilities, women with disabilities were more likely to experience lifetime physical violence (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, p < 0.01), sexual violence (OR = 1.7, p < 0.01), and emotional abuse (1.4, p < 0.01) after controlling for sociodemographic and household characteristics. Study findings suggest that women with disabilities in Uganda may experience increased risk for IPV compared to women without disabilities, with concomitant risks to their health and the survival of their infants. Further research examining the prevalence and correlates of IPV in low- and middle-income countries is needed to address the needs and rights of women with disabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
22 pages, 893 KiB  
Article
The UNICEF/Washington Group Child Functioning Module—Accuracy, Inter-Rater Reliability and Cut-Off Level for Disability Disaggregation of Fiji’s Education Management Information System
by Beth Sprunt, Barbara McPake and Manjula Marella
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(5), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16050806 - 05 Mar 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4441
Abstract
This paper explores the validity (sensitivity and specificity) of different cut-off levels of the UNICEF/Washington Group Child Functioning Module (CFM) and the inter-rater reliability between teachers and parents as proxy respondents, for disaggregating Fiji’s education management information system (EMIS) by disability. The method [...] Read more.
This paper explores the validity (sensitivity and specificity) of different cut-off levels of the UNICEF/Washington Group Child Functioning Module (CFM) and the inter-rater reliability between teachers and parents as proxy respondents, for disaggregating Fiji’s education management information system (EMIS) by disability. The method used was a cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study comparing CFM items to standard clinical assessments for 472 primary school aged students in Fiji. Whilst previous domain-specific results showed “good” to “excellent” accuracy of the CFM domains seeing, hearing, walking and speaking, newer analysis shows only “fair” to “poor” accuracy of the cognitive domains (learning, remembering and focusing attention) and “fair” of the overall CFM (area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve: 0.763 parent responses, 0.786 teacher responses). Severe impairments are reported relatively evenly across CFM response categories “some difficulty”, “a lot of difficulty” and “cannot do at all”. Most moderate impairments are reported as “some difficulty”. The CFM provides a core component of data required for disaggregating Fiji’s EMIS by disability. However, choice of cut-off level and mixture of impairment severity reported across response categories are challenges. The CFM alone is not accurate enough to determine funding eligibility. For identifying children with disabilities, the CFM should be part of a broader data collection including learning and support needs data and undertaking eligibility verification visits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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14 pages, 1145 KiB  
Article
Disability and Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Cameroon: A Mediation Analysis of the Role of Socioeconomic Factors
by Pierre DeBeaudrap, Charles Mouté, Estelle Pasquier, Muriel Mac-Seing, Pulchérie U. Mukangwije and Gervais Beninguisse
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(3), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16030417 - 01 Feb 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6211
Abstract
There is growing evidence showing that people with disabilities face more frequently socioeconomic inequities than their non-disabled peers. This study aims to examine to what extent socioeconomic consequences of disability contribute to poorer access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for Cameroonian [...] Read more.
There is growing evidence showing that people with disabilities face more frequently socioeconomic inequities than their non-disabled peers. This study aims to examine to what extent socioeconomic consequences of disability contribute to poorer access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for Cameroonian with disabilities and how these outcomes vary with disabilities characteristics and gender. It uses data from a population-based survey conducted in 2015 in Yaounde, Cameroon. Mediation analysis was performed to determine how much of the total association between disability and the use, satisfaction and difficulties to access SRH services was mediated by education level, material wellbeing lifetime work participation and availability of social support. Overall, disability was associated with deprivation for all socioeconomic factors assessed though significant variation with the nature and severity of the functional limitations was observed. Lower education level and restricted lifetime work mediated a large part of the association between disability and lower use of HIV testing and of family planning. By contrast, while people with disabilities reported more difficulties to use a SRH service, no mediating was identified. In conclusion, Cameroonians with disabilities since childhood have restricted access to SRH services resulting from socioeconomic factors occurring early during the life-course. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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20 pages, 1936 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Impact of the Twin Track Socio-Economic Intervention on Reducing Leprosy-Related Stigma in Cirebon District, Indonesia
by Dadun Dadun, Ruth M. H. Peters, Wim H. van Brakel, Joske G. F. Bunders, Irwanto Irwanto and Barbara J. Regeer
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(3), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16030349 - 26 Jan 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4850
Abstract
The consequences of leprosy go beyond the physical, social and psychological, as leprosy can drive persons affected and their families into poverty, stigmatization and disability. This paper describes the impact of a socio-economic development (SED) intervention that uses a twin-track approach (two micro-credit [...] Read more.
The consequences of leprosy go beyond the physical, social and psychological, as leprosy can drive persons affected and their families into poverty, stigmatization and disability. This paper describes the impact of a socio-economic development (SED) intervention that uses a twin-track approach (two micro-credit models) to reduce leprosy-related stigma in Cirebon District, Indonesia. A randomized-controlled mixed-methods study design was used to test the effectiveness of the SED intervention. Three scales were used to measure stigma and participation restrictions among 30 SED clients and 57 controls, 20 in-depth interviews with SED clients and seven Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key persons were held and 65 profiles of the clients were written up and analysed. The qualitative data shows the socio-economic status of 44 out of 65 SED clients (67%) improved. The median family income increased by 25%, more clients reported higher self-esteem, better interaction with neighbours and less stigma than before, although disclosure concerns remained an issue. The scales indicate a positive effect of the intervention on reducing stigma (e.g., Stigma Assessment and Reduction of Impact (SARI) stigma scale mean difference total score of pre and post assessment for SED clients versus the control group was 8.5 versus 5.6). A twin track socio-economic intervention, if embedded and integrated, can increase participation, and be constructive in reducing leprosy-related stigma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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19 pages, 796 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Disability Inclusion in General Eye Health Services in Bandung, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study
by Manjula Marella, Fleur Smith, Lukman Hilfi and Deni K. Sunjaya
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16010023 - 21 Dec 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4913
Abstract
The Inclusive System for Effective Eye-care (I-SEE) is a pilot project for disability inclusion in eye health in Bandung district of Indonesia. The aim of this research was to investigate factors influencing the introduction, i.e., adoption, implementation and continuation of I-SEE. A qualitative [...] Read more.
The Inclusive System for Effective Eye-care (I-SEE) is a pilot project for disability inclusion in eye health in Bandung district of Indonesia. The aim of this research was to investigate factors influencing the introduction, i.e., adoption, implementation and continuation of I-SEE. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted by interviewing relevant stakeholders (n = 27) and users with disabilities (n = 12). A theoretical framework on the introduction of innovations in health care was used to guide data collection and thematic analysis. Factors related to the characteristics of the innovation (I-SEE) (e.g., infrastructure, equipment, engagement of people with disabilities, inclusive communication), service provider characteristics (e.g., motivation, attitudes, training), organizational characteristics (e.g., supervision, indicators, data), and the socio-political context of I-SEE (policy, motivation of users, family support, costs, transport) were essential for supporting the introduction process. Additionally, stakeholders proposed strategies for enhancing the introduction of I-SEE (e.g., awareness, collaborations). While there are specific disability related factors, most factors influencing the introduction of disability inclusive eye health were similar to introducing any innovation in general health care. Strategies for disability inclusion should be included from the planning phase of an eye health program and are reasonably simple to adapt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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13 pages, 1588 KiB  
Article
Unmet Needs and Use of Assistive Products in Two Districts of Bangladesh: Findings from a Household Survey
by Wesley Pryor, Liem Nguyen, Qumrun Naher Islam, Faruk Ahmed Jalal and Manjula Marella
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(12), 2901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15122901 - 18 Dec 2018
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8053
Abstract
Access to assistive products (AP) is an under-researched public health issue. Using an adaptation of a draft World Health Organization tool—the ‘Assistive Technology Assessment—Needs (ATA-N)’ for measuring unmet needs and use of AP, we aimed to understand characteristics of AP users, self-reported needs [...] Read more.
Access to assistive products (AP) is an under-researched public health issue. Using an adaptation of a draft World Health Organization tool—the ‘Assistive Technology Assessment—Needs (ATA-N)’ for measuring unmet needs and use of AP, we aimed to understand characteristics of AP users, self-reported needs and unmet needs for AP, and current access patterns in Bangladesh. The ATA-N was incorporated in a Rapid Assessment of Disability (RAD), a population-based survey to estimate prevalence and correlates of disability. In each of two unions of Kurigram and Narsingdi districts, 60 clusters of 50 people each aged two years and older were selected using a two-staged cluster random sampling process, of whom, 4250 (59% Female; 41% Male) were adults, including 333 using AP. We estimate 7.1% of the studied population used any AP. AP use is positively associated with age and self-reported functional difficulty. The proportion of people using AP is higher for mobility than for sensory and cognitive difficulties. Of all people with any functional difficulty, 71% self-reported an unmet need for AP. Most products were home or self-made, at low cost, but provided benefits. Needs and unmet needs for AP are high, especially for people with greater functional difficulties. Assessing unmet needs for AP revealed important barriers to scale that can inform policy and practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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13 pages, 544 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Social Determinants of Health and Disability Scores in Leprosy-Affected Persons in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
by Martin Heidinger, Elisa Simonnet, Sr. Francina Karippadathu, Markus Puchinger, Johann Pfeifer and Andrea Grisold
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(12), 2769; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15122769 - 06 Dec 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5767
Abstract
A consistent relationship has been found between leprosy and inequities in social determinants of health. It, however, remains unclear which aspect of these social determinants contributes most to the risk of infection, and even less clear are the risk factors for the development [...] Read more.
A consistent relationship has been found between leprosy and inequities in social determinants of health. It, however, remains unclear which aspect of these social determinants contributes most to the risk of infection, and even less clear are the risk factors for the development of leprosy-related disabilities. The objective of this study was to elicit the differential impact of social determinants of health in leprosy-affected persons, and determine whether structural inequities in accessibility to societal resources and lower socioeconomic parameters correlated with higher severity of disabilities. This analysis was based on a sampled population affected by leprosy in Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. Persons enrolled in the study were covered by a nongovernmental lifelong care program, had completed a multidrug therapy for leprosy and/or were slit-skin-smear negative, and showed Grade 1 or higher disabilities due to leprosy. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was performed. The Eyes-Hands-Feet (EHF) score was the outcome variable, and gender, age, time after release from treatment, monthly income, and living space were explanatory variables. There were 123 participants, comprised of 41 (33.33%) women and 82 (66.67%) men. All study participants belonged to India’s Backward classes; 81.30% were illiterate and the average monthly income was 1252 Indian rupee (INR) (US$19.08 or €17.16). The average EHF score was 7.016 (95% CI, 6.595 to 7.437). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis built a significant model, where F(2, 120) = 13.960, p ≤ 0.001, effect size (Cohen’s f2) = 0.81, explaining 18.9% of the variance in EHF scores (R2 = 0.189). Significant predictors of a higher EHF score in persons affected by leprosy were found to be higher age (beta = 0.340, 95% CI, 0.039 to 0.111, p < 0.001), as well as less living space (beta = −0.276, 95% CI, −0.041 to −0.011, p = 0.001). Our results suggest that inequalities in social determinants of health correspond to higher disability scores, which indicates that poor living standards are a common phenomenon in those living with leprosy-related disabilities. Further research is needed to dissect the exact development of impairments after release from treatment (RFT) in order to take targeted actions against disability deterioration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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21 pages, 2029 KiB  
Article
Developing Behaviour Change Interventions for Improving Access to Health and Hygiene for People with Disabilities: Two Case Studies from Nepal and Malawi
by Jane Wilbur, Tess Bright, Thérèse Mahon, Shaffa Hameed, Belen Torondel, Wakisa Mulwafu, Hannah Kuper and Sarah Polack
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(12), 2746; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15122746 - 05 Dec 2018
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 8121
Abstract
Limited evidence exists about how to design interventions to improve access to health care for people with disabilities in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper documents the development of two behaviour change interventions. Case study one outlines the design of an intervention [...] Read more.
Limited evidence exists about how to design interventions to improve access to health care for people with disabilities in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper documents the development of two behaviour change interventions. Case study one outlines the design of an intervention to improve uptake of referral for ear and hearing services for children in Malawi. Case study two describes the design of an intervention to improve menstrual hygiene management for people with intellectual impairments in Nepal. Both followed existing approaches—Medical Research Council Guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions and Behaviour Centred Design. The purpose is to demonstrate how these frameworks can be applied, to document the interventions developed, and encourage further initiatives to advance health services targeting people with disabilities. Important components of the intervention design process were: (1) systematic reviews and formative research ensure that interventions designed are relevant to current discourse, practice and context; (2) people with disabilities and their family/carers must be at the heart of the process; (3) applying the theory of change approach and testing it helps understand links between inputs and required behaviour change, as well as ensuring that the interventions are relevant to local contexts; (4) involving creative experts may lead to the development of more engaging and appealing interventions. Further evidence is needed on the effectiveness of these types of interventions for people with disabilities to ensure that no one is left behind. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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15 pages, 1668 KiB  
Article
Intersections Between Systems Thinking and Market Shaping for Assistive Technology: The SMART (Systems-Market for Assistive and Related Technologies) Thinking Matrix
by Malcolm MacLachlan, Joanne McVeigh, Michael Cooke, Delia Ferri, Catherine Holloway, Victoria Austin and Dena Javadi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(12), 2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15122627 - 23 Nov 2018
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5940
Abstract
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aspire to “leave no-one behind”. Universal access to assistive products is a critical link between the realization of the SDGs and those most likely to be left behind. However, assistive technology provision in many countries, particularly low- and [...] Read more.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aspire to “leave no-one behind”. Universal access to assistive products is a critical link between the realization of the SDGs and those most likely to be left behind. However, assistive technology provision in many countries, particularly low- and middle-income countries, has traditionally been conducted through small-scale local providers, manufacturing products of varying degrees of quality at a limited price range. An effective way to scale these production and provision enterprises to the required level is needed to close the gap between available and required assistive technology. We argue that better access to assistive technology will only be realized through the adoption of a far stronger systems thinking and market shaping approach. We undertook a rapid literature review to explore the relationship between market shaping and assistive technology. Based on our review, we present an emergent framework for conceptualizing intersections between systems thinking and market shaping for assistive technology—the SMART (Systems-Market for Assistive and Related Technologies) Thinking Matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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21 pages, 1182 KiB  
Article
Adverse Childhood Experiences in Children with Intellectual Disabilities: An Exploratory Case-File Study in Dutch Residential Care
by Jessica Vervoort-Schel, Gabriëlle Mercera, Inge Wissink, Emmelie Mink, Peer Van der Helm, Ramón Lindauer and Xavier Moonen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(10), 2136; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15102136 - 28 Sep 2018
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 12549
Abstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are negative childhood events occurring in a child’s family or social environment, that may cause harm or distress. Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) and their families are underrepresented in international ACEs research, while current insights can also contribute to [...] Read more.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are negative childhood events occurring in a child’s family or social environment, that may cause harm or distress. Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) and their families are underrepresented in international ACEs research, while current insights can also contribute to the improvement of their health and well-being. Deficiencies in intellectual and adaptive functioning and living circumstances can increase their vulnerability to adversities. In the present exploratory study 69 case-files of children referred to a Dutch national center for residential youth care for children with ID were analyzed to assess the prevalence and associations of ACEs. It was found that almost half (49.3%) of the children experienced 2 ACEs from the original ACEs framework or more (M (mean) = 2.1; SD (standard deviation) = 1.8) and that the number of ACEs in children was related to the presence of ACEs in parents. Both child and parental ACEs were also related to attachment- and trauma- and stressor-related disorders. Finally, living circumstances and multiple ACEs from the expanded ACEs framework, especially related to parental characteristics, were found to be related to ACEs in children with ID. This implicates the importance of a transgenerational approach when further investigating the impact of ACEs on mental and physical health in children with ID (intellectual disabilities). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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18 pages, 1125 KiB  
Article
Risk of Exclusion in People with Disabilities in Spain: Determinants of Health and Poverty
by Angel Belzunegui-Eraso, Inma Pastor-Gosálbez, Xavier Puig-Andreu and Francesc Valls-Fonayet
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(10), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15102129 - 27 Sep 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4466
Abstract
In this paper, we analyze data from the 2012 Encuesta de Integración Social y Salud (Social Integration and Health Survey) of the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (Spanish National Institute of Statistics) to obtain profiles created by combining disability, poverty and social exclusion. We [...] Read more.
In this paper, we analyze data from the 2012 Encuesta de Integración Social y Salud (Social Integration and Health Survey) of the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (Spanish National Institute of Statistics) to obtain profiles created by combining disability, poverty and social exclusion. We hypothesize that the probability that people will experience social exclusion increases if they have a disability, chronic illness or limitation in conducting everyday activities, and that this probability is greater for women than for men. To conduct our analysis, we constructed a social exclusion model based on a series of social determinants that acts as a dependent variable. In this context, social exclusion is understood to go beyond the concept of financial poverty. We performed bivariate analyses, in which we calculated the Odds Ratios (OR) for certain variables considered to be predictors of social exclusion. We also performed a means comparison test and an ANOVA test to observe differences between individuals with recognized disability and those without. Finally, we conducted logistic regression analysis to determine which vulnerability profiles are most likely to experience a situation of social exclusion. We also discuss the limitations of our study, and suggest areas in, which the relationships between health, social exclusion and disability can be further investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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19 pages, 2683 KiB  
Article
Implementation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Sets for Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: Global Initiatives Promoting Optimal Functioning
by Verónica Schiariti, Egmar Longo, Alexander Shoshmin, Ludmila Kozhushko, Yanina Besstrashnova, Maria Król, Taynah Neri Correia Campos, Haryelle Náryma Confessor Ferreira, Cláudia Verissimo, Daniel Shaba, Matilda Mwale and Sandra Amado
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(9), 1899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15091899 - 01 Sep 2018
Cited by 53 | Viewed by 11932
Abstract
Background: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Sets for children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) offer service providers and stakeholders a specific framework to explore functioning and disability for assessment, treatment, evaluation, and policy purposes in a global [...] Read more.
Background: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Sets for children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) offer service providers and stakeholders a specific framework to explore functioning and disability for assessment, treatment, evaluation, and policy purposes in a global context. Objective: Describe global initiatives applying the ICF Core Sets for children and youth with CP, with a focus on contributions to clinical practice and challenges in their implementation. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Ongoing initiatives applying the ICF Core Sets for CP in Russia, Poland, Malawi, and Brazil are included. Results: The main contributions of applying the ICF Core Sets for children and youth with CP include: (1) an objective description of abilities and limitations in everyday activities; (2) a consistent identification of facilitators and barriers influencing functioning; (3) a practical communication tool promoting client-centered care and multidisciplinary teamwork; and, (4) a useful guideline for measurement selection. The main challenges of adopting the ICF Core Sets are related to lack of ICF knowledge requiring intense training and translating results from standardized measures into the ICF qualifiers in a consistent way. Conclusions: Global initiatives include research and clinical applications at the program, service and system levels. The ICF Core Sets for CP are useful tools to guide service provision and build profiles of functioning and disability. Global interprofessional collaboration, capacity training, and informatics (e-records) will maximize their applications and accelerate adoption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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Review

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11 pages, 281 KiB  
Review
Challenges in Accessing Health Care for People with Disability in the South Asian Context: A Review
by Venkata S. Murthy Gudlavalleti
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(11), 2366; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112366 - 26 Oct 2018
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6389
Abstract
South Asia is a unique geopolitical region covering 3.4% of the world’s surface area and supporting 25% of the world’s population (1.75 billion). Available evidence from South Asia shows variable estimates of the magnitude of disability. The projected magnitude depends on whether an [...] Read more.
South Asia is a unique geopolitical region covering 3.4% of the world’s surface area and supporting 25% of the world’s population (1.75 billion). Available evidence from South Asia shows variable estimates of the magnitude of disability. The projected magnitude depends on whether an impairment focus is highlighted (approximately 1.6–2.1%) or functionality is given precedence (3.6–15.6%). People with disability (PWD) face significant challenges to accessing health care in the region. Studies show that adults with disability reported a four times higher incidence of a serious health problem in a year’s recall period. Evidence shows a significantly higher rate (17.8%) of hospitalization among PWD compared to others (5%). Chronic conditions like diabetes were also significantly higher. Women with disability had significantly more concerns on reproductive health issues. Studies from the South Asia region reveal that not only did PWD have a higher load of adverse health outcomes but they also faced significantly more barriers in accessing health services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
34 pages, 631 KiB  
Review
A Systematic Review of Access to Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
by Tess Bright, Sarah Wallace and Hannah Kuper
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(10), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15102165 - 02 Oct 2018
Cited by 159 | Viewed by 13190
Abstract
Rehabilitation seeks to optimize functioning of people with impairments and includes a range of specific health services—diagnosis, treatment, surgery, assistive devices, and therapy. Evidence on access to rehabilitation services for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. A systematic [...] Read more.
Rehabilitation seeks to optimize functioning of people with impairments and includes a range of specific health services—diagnosis, treatment, surgery, assistive devices, and therapy. Evidence on access to rehabilitation services for people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. A systematic review was conducted to examine this in depth. In February 2017, six databases were searched for studies measuring access to rehabilitation among people with disabilities in LMICs. Eligible measures of access to rehabilitation included: use of assistive devices, use of specialist health services, and adherence to treatment. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Data was extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. Of 13,048 screened studies, 77 were eligible for inclusion. These covered a broad geographic area. 17% of studies measured access to hearing-specific services; 22% vision-specific; 31% physical impairment-specific; and 44% measured access to mental impairment-specific services. A further 35% measured access to services for any disability. A diverse range of measures of disability and access were used across studies making comparability difficult. However, there was some evidence that access to rehabilitation is low among people with disabilities. No clear patterns were seen in access by equity measures such as age, locality, socioeconomic status, or country income group due to the limited number of studies measuring these indicators, and the range of measures used. Access to rehabilitation services was highly variable and poorly measured within the studies in the review, but generally shown to be low. Far better metrics are needed, including through clinical assessment, before we have a true appreciation of the population level need for and coverage of these services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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29 pages, 727 KiB  
Review
A Systematic Review of Access to General Healthcare Services for People with Disabilities in Low and Middle Income Countries
by Tess Bright and Hannah Kuper
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(9), 1879; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15091879 - 30 Aug 2018
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 8381
Abstract
Background: A systematic review was undertaken to explore access to general healthcare services for people with disabilities in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: Six electronic databases were searched in February 2017. Studies comparing access to general healthcare services by people [...] Read more.
Background: A systematic review was undertaken to explore access to general healthcare services for people with disabilities in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: Six electronic databases were searched in February 2017. Studies comparing access to general healthcare services by people with disabilities to those without disabilities from LMICs were included. Eligible measures of healthcare access included: utilisation, coverage, adherence, expenditure, and quality. Studies measuring disability using self-reported or clinical assessments were eligible. Title, abstract and full-text screening and data extraction was undertaken by the two authors. Results: Searches returned 13,048 studies, of which 50 studies were eligible. Studies were predominantly conducted in sub-Saharan Africa (30%), Latin America (24%), and East Asia/Pacific (12%). 74% of studies used cross-sectional designs and the remaining used case-control designs. There was evidence that utilisation of healthcare services was higher for people with disabilities, and healthcare expenditure was higher. There were less consistent differences between people with and without disabilities in other access measures. However, the wide variation in type and measurement of disability, and access outcomes, made comparisons across studies difficult. Conclusions: Developing common metrics for measuring disability and healthcare access will improve the availability of high quality, comparable data, so that healthcare access for people with disabilities can be monitored and improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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Other

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11 pages, 311 KiB  
Perspective
Health Literacy and People with Intellectual Disabilities: What We Know, What We Do Not Know, and What We Need: A Theoretical Discourse
by Cornelia Geukes, Janine Bröder and Änne-Dörte Latteck
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(3), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16030463 - 05 Feb 2019
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5049
Abstract
Although health literacy is widely discussed and many heterogeneous conceptualizations exist, people with intellectual disabilities have remained largely unconsidered. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to analyze the particularities of this target group and discuss and consider implications that arise when conceptualizing [...] Read more.
Although health literacy is widely discussed and many heterogeneous conceptualizations exist, people with intellectual disabilities have remained largely unconsidered. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to analyze the particularities of this target group and discuss and consider implications that arise when conceptualizing the health literacy of people with intellectual disabilities. Therefore, we explore relevant approaches from multiple disciplines and examine their transferability to a conceptual understanding of health literacy for people with intellectual disabilities. For future directions we identified three main dimensions: (1) disentangle health literacy from empowerment; (2) apply a positive, asset-based focus to health literacy; and (3) focus on health literacy as a distributed resource across individuals and their individual life-world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Global Health)
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