The Forgotten Children With Disabilities: A Study on the State of Children with Disabilities from a Base Hospital in the Central Province of Sri Lanka

Background: According to the State of the Worlds’ Children 2013 report by UNICEF only a few countries have reliable information on children with disabilities. These children encounter different forms of exclusion and are affected by them to varying degrees. Local data on these children are not available and therefore we undertook this descriptive study with the following objectives.

Objectives: To identify children with disabilities in a rural area, categorise the disability according to the type and to assess the current services they received.

Design, setting and method: A cross sectional study was undertaken in the area of Rikillagaskada. The Public Health Midwives were given a basic training to detect such children in the community and invited them to a special clinic conducted at the hospital. All children underwent a physical examination including a neurological assessment to arrive at a diagnosis by a medical officer. Data were collected on pre tested questionnaires.

Results: Fifty five (n=55) (M:F=28:27) children were identified. Their age ranged from 10 months-12 years. Their disabilities were categorized as: physical (60%), sensory (visual and hearing) (12%), intellectual (20%), and mixed (7%). 49% were confirmed to have cerebral palsy on neurological examination. A cause for the disability could be identified in 72%. Only 31% were attending rehabilitation. None of the children with Down Syndrome received follow up. 64% of 6-12 years children received education. Majority (69%) of children did not attend rehabilitation due to the distance to travel. 96% of families did not receive any funds (53/55).

Conclusions: 50% disabilities were due to Cerebral Palsy. A significant proportion of children were not getting followed up mainly due to the lack of local rehabilitation facilities. Community support and provision of funds for the families were negligible.