African Journal of Disability最新文献

Background: Participation in activities of daily living (ADL), education, leisure and play in children living with cerebral palsy (CP) may be affected by various factors, as outlined in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework (ICF). The aim of this study was to describe the participation patterns of a group of these children.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe participation patterns in ADL, education, leisure and play activities of children living with CP in Modimolle.

Method: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative (EDQ) study design was used. A researcher-constructed bio-demographic data sheet and a semi-structured interview schedule were used to collect data from the primary caregivers of children (5-17 years) living with CP in Modimolle. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated from Sepedi to English and analysed using the content analysis approach and NVivo software.

Results: The findings of this study indicated that children living with CP in Modimolle require set-up and assistance to participate in various ADL such as self-care, family and community activities. They also participate in formal and informal educational programmes as well as active and passive leisure and play activities. However, at the moment, they have limited opportunities to participate because of resource constraints and inaccessible infrastructure.

Conclusion: Although children with CP in Modimolle perform some ADL, and participate in educational, leisure and play activities, they are not fully integrated into their community. Legislative support and policy implementation are required to improve participation and integration of children living with CP. Further studies on community-specific integrative strategies to enhance participation among children living with disabilities are recommended.

Contribution: This paper provides valuable information on the participation patterns of children with CP living in a rural area of South Africa. The findings can assist with development and implementation of community-specific, integrative health and social care strategies to enhance participation among children living with disabilities.

Background: While legislation protects persons with disabilities against discrimination, decisions taken in line with institutional policies may still have a negative impact on the lived experience of those individuals.

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of institutional policies, to describe the unintended psychosocial impact of policies and to identify factors that moderate the impact of the policies.

Method: The study adopted an autoethnographic approach involving recollecting life experiences, reading archival and policy documents, reflecting on experiences, articulating lived experiences, deep thought, reviewing and repetition. Activities were carried out as and when appropriate, not necessarily sequentially. The aim was to produce a coherent narrative with credibility, authenticity and integrity.

Results: The results indicate that decisions based on interpretation of policies did not necessarily result in persons with disabilities being fully included in normal academic activities. A disablist institutional culture substantially moderates the intended consequences of institutional policies on the experiences of persons living with disabilities, particularly those that are nonobvious.

Conclusions: Consideration of persons of all abilities should be no different from recognising the diverse needs of persons of different genders, ages, educational backgrounds, financial means, languages and other demographics. A culture of disability prejudice, even among well-meaning individuals, prevents a progressive policy framework from ensuring inclusivity for persons with disabilities.

Contribution: The study demonstrates that a supportive institutional culture is necessary to give effect to disability policies and legislation and to optimise the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workplace.

Background: Mental disorders are a major health concern across the globe. Schizophrenia, one of the mental disorders, affects approximately 20 million people globally and 5 million people within the African continent. Schizophrenia can affect all areas of life, including participation in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

Objectives: The study aimed to explore personal barriers affecting participation in chosen IADLs among community-dwelling persons with schizophrenia in Kigali city, Rwanda.

Method: A qualitative, embedded case study design and constructivist epistemology paradigm were used. Purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants that included 10 persons diagnosed with schizophrenia (case 1) and 10 of their caregivers (case 2). Data were analysed according to the seven steps of Ziebland and Mcpherson.

Findings: The two themes identified were community negative attitudes and individual hindrances to participation in IADLs. Theme 1 demonstrated the community's poor support towards persons with schizophrenia due to the stigma attached to mental health illness, which is reported elsewhere. This paper reports on individual hindrances to participation, which revealed limited knowledge and skills, decreased motivation and interest, financial problems, maladaptive behaviours, medication side effects, loss of social interaction and isolation, and disorganised in performing activities to negatively affect persons with schizophrenia's full participation in their chosen IADLs.

Conclusion: Community-dwelling persons with schizophrenia are experiencing various hindrances to participating in their chosen IADLs, which shows a need for support from different stakeholders to improve access and participation of persons with schizophrenia in their daily activities based on their abilities.

Contribution: Different barriers affecting participation of the persons with schizophrenia in their chosen IADLs were highlighted together with the common affected IADLs. It is recommended that when right support is provided, persons with schizophrenia may function at their maximum abilities in their activities of choice and may live at their highest independence level.

Background: Ensuring quality in the structure and process of stroke rehabilitation helps to attain a good outcome. However, knowledge on this is limited in resource-constrained settings such as Ghana.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' (HCPs) views and experiences of the structure and process of stroke rehabilitation in three selected hospitals in Ghana.

Method: A qualitative study was carried out involving 26 HCPs directly involved in stroke rehabilitation from three selected hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana representing the different levels of healthcare. Interviews were conducted using an interview guide to understand participants' views and experiences of the structure and process of stroke rehabilitation. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: HCPs reported limitations with the structure of stroke rehabilitation with regards to the availability of rehabilitation units, bed capacity, approach to care, availability of protocol, staff capacity development and payment systems. With respect to the process of rehabilitation, the primary and secondary level hospitals were found not to have computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning equipment. Participants also reported limitations with discharge planning, basis for discharge and post-discharge care across all three hospitals.

Conclusion: This study found limitations in the current structure and process of stroke rehabilitation, which when given some considerations for improvement, can help improve the quality of care and thereby improve the outcome of stroke patients in Ghana.

Contribution: This study provided data which helps to assess the quality of stroke rehabilitation in Ghana.

Background: Healthcare professionals may have a preconceived idea about life after an acquired brain injury (ABI). Understanding lived experiences of individuals with ABI and their significant others, post-hospitalisation, may improve communication between healthcare professionals and individuals directly influenced by the ABI.

Objective: To describe perceived experiences of individuals with ABI, and their significant others, regarding rehabilitation services and returning to daily activities, one-month post-discharge from acute hospitalisation.

Method: Semi-structured interviews, via an online platform, expanded on the experiences of six dyads (individuals with an ABI and their significant others). Data were thematically analysed.

Results: Six main themes emerged that best described participants' experiences; two of which were shared between individuals with ABI and their significant others (SO). Individuals with an ABI acknowledged recovery as their priority and highlighted the importance of patience. The need for counselling and additional support from healthcare professionals and peers arose. The SO expressed a need for written information, improved communication from healthcare professionals, and education regarding the implications of an ABI. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic negatively influenced all participants' overall experiences, mainly because of termination of visiting hours. Psychosocial intervention would have been beneficial to all participants. Faith influenced most participants' attitudes towards recovery and adapting post-ABI.

Conclusion: Most participants accepted their new reality but required additional support to cope emotionally. Individuals with an ABI would benefit from opportunities to share experiences with and learn from others in a similar situation. Streamlined services and improved communication may alleviate anxiety among families during this crucial transitional period.

Contribution: This article provides valuable information on the perspectives and experiences of individuals with ABI and their significant others during the transition from acute hospitalisation. The findings can assist with the continuity of care, integrative health and supportive strategies during the transition period post-ABI.

Research looking into the day-to-day lives of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) is on the increase in Africa. However, not enough is being done to include people with ID as active contributors to this research through inclusive approaches. Inclusive research empowers people with ID as they have the agency and autonomy to speak for themselves and they are given an active voice in the research process and outcomes. This leads to services that cater for what matters to people with ID themselves as opposed to having their needs defined by other people. The common myths and misconceptions attached to ID in Africa, which increase stigma towards people affected by this type of disability can be abated by their visibility in research and evidence of their ability to express themselves. This article makes a call to researchers on the African continent to include people with ID in research as active contributors to the research and not simply as research subjects or respondents. A background is given of global developments that have occurred in inclusive research based on the literature and the author's personal experience, which African researchers can learn from while taking cognizance of the specific needs of their own contexts. This is followed by highlighting the gaps in Africa. The article ends with a discussion of possible reasons for a lack of inclusive research in Africa and suggestions and recommendations to address this gap.

Background: Identity construction is an integral developmental task for adolescents and young adults (AYA). The intersection of deaf identity and disabling hearing loss (DHL) adds a layer to the complex process of identity construction.

Aim: This literature review highlights the self-ascribed deaf identities of AYA and seeks to understand how AYA with DHL forge these identities. Knowledge areas for prospective research and practice are uncovered.

Method: A traditional literature review of qualitative empirical evidence on AYA's accounts of their deaf identity construction was conducted on seminal literature and peer-reviewed journals in psychology, disability studies and deaf studies.

Results: The emerging self-ascribed deaf identities of AYA are diverse. The identities include Deaf, hearing, hard-of-hearing (HOH), bicultural HOH, identities that detach from disability, bicultural DeaF, unresolved and fluid identities. Complex trade-offs exist where the construction of certain identities forgoes certain reasonable accommodations, interventions or relations that are critical for personal development and wellbeing.

Conclusion: Current literature orients deaf identity formation around hearing status and Deaf-hearing communal dynamics. In-depth research comprising facets of AYA's personal, enacted and relational identities is required to conscientise rehabilitation professionals about the nuances of deaf identity issues and how to develop interventions that are supportive and responsive to the clinical and psychosocial challenges of AYA with DHL.

Contribution: This paper deviates from the d/Deaf identity dichotomy, revealing a spectrum of deaf identities that AYA forge. The rationales of AYA's deaf identities, underlying processes and possible vulnerable identities are unpacked. Recommendations for prospective research pertaining to identity construction among deaf AYA are made.

Background: Access to primary health care is a fundamental right for all. However, persons with disabilities are experiencing difficulties when accessing healthcare because of various environmental and personal barriers which may lead to nonuse of such services.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the challenges leading to non-use of healthcare services among persons with mobility impairments in Cofimvaba.

Method: A descriptive qualitative design using snowball sampling was implemented. Semistructured interviews were conducted in isiXhosa with five participants who stopped accessing healthcare, using a self-developed interview guide. Inductive thematic analysis was used to develop codes and themes from the data.

Results: Study findings revealed major challenges experienced by persons with mobility impairments in accessing healthcare. These included inaccessible roads, geographic inaccessibility, financial accessibility and indirect cost of care, having little or not many health problems, physical infrastructure difficulties within facilities, and attitudinal barriers.

Conclusion: The findings indicated that persons with disabilities are experiencing a combination of structural and environmental challenges which make them stop accessing healthcare.

Contribution: The article shares insights on access challenges that influence non-use of the often-needed healthcare services within the context of rural areas.

Background: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in less-resourced settings reported barriers to community integration, including inaccessible rehabilitation services, restricted environments and limited social integration. Peer training and entrepreneurial skills training are provided by Motivation, a nonprofit organisation, and Moshi Cooperative University to enhance occupational engagement of individuals with SCI in less-resourced settings.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the impact of peer training and entrepreneurial skills training on the social participation of individuals with SCI living in Tanzania.

Method: Using a qualitative photovoice approach, 10 participants captured meaningful photos and provided captions according to five standardised questions (PHOTO technique) to convey their messages. Participants selected up to 34 photos that best illustrated their experiences in the community. A mixed inductive-deductive thematic analysis was guided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Results: Two interrelated themes emerged: (1) 'influencing factors', which revealed how participants' inclusion in the community was influenced by their activities and personal and environmental factors and (2) 'empowerment', which highlighted participants' desire to advocate and promote awareness of needs and hopes.

Conclusion: Participants emphasised the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities. Whilst some were able to overcome obstacles, others experienced continued inaccessibility that inhibited meaningful occupations. Daily participation challenges of individuals with SCI in rural Tanzania were highlighted. Although the Motivation programmes were perceived to have powerful impacts on social participation, continued efforts and advocacy are needed to overcome accessibility issues and to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of Tanzanians living with SCI.

Contribution: This article highlights the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities for individuals with disability living in rural Tanzania. Peer-training and entrepreneurial programs offer community-based rehabilitation services that were perceived by people with disabilities to have a powerful impact on social participation and vocation. However, continued efforts and advocacy are needed to meet the needs of Tanzanians living with spinal cord injury.