Knowledge, attitude and practice among caregivers of children with disability

Abstract

Background: Disability encompasses a wide range of impairments and conditions like cerebral palsy and autism, affecting individuals and their families profoundly. Caregivers face challenges such as lack of information, emotional strain, and social stigma, especially in rural areas. Their knowledge, attitudes, and practices, shaped by cultural and social factors, significantly influence the care and outcomes of children with disabilities. Objectives: To evaluate the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among caregivers of Children with Disability. Methodology: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caregivers of children with disabilities. To achieve this, a quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, which provided a snapshot of the distribution of specific variables within a population at a given time. Ethical approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative analysis with SPSS software, version 25.0. Results: This study found several significant associations (p < 0.05) between higher education levels and improved recognition of the value of therapy and rehabilitation programs (p = 0.012), as well as a stronger acknowledgment of the equal rights of disabled children (p = 0.003). Educated caregivers were more likely to engage in caregiving practices such as carrying (p = 0.019), rolling (p = 0.026), and feeding (p = 0.017) their disabled children. However, education levels did not significantly impact attitudes toward various aspects of caregiving (p > 0.05). Living Area also influenced caregiving practices (p < 0.05), with caregivers in rural areas facing more barriers to accessing information about disabilities and therapy. These findings highlight the importance of education in enhancing caregivers' skills and engagement, while also acknowledging the complex relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and caregiving, especially in different geographical contexts. Conclusion: This study emphasized the importance of caregiver education in improving knowledge, attitudes, and caregiving practices for children with disabilities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions, particularly in lower-education and rural areas, while acknowledging the influence of external factors like healthcare access and cultural norms. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Caregivers, Children with Disability. Words Count: 15407.