Demographic Characteristics and Health Problems Related to Disability of Children with a Disability and Their Families

WOS: 000406926000009Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine demographic characteristics and health problems related to disability of diabled children and their families living in the city center of Gaziantep. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted between 01.09.2012 and 24.02.2013. The study sample consisted of families with children with a disability, who were chosen by random sampling from those who attended private training and rehabilitation centers in the county of Sehitkamil, Gaziantep and accepted to participate in the study (n=239). Results: It was found that 62.8% of the children were boys, 75.3% had mental disabilities, 27.6% of the mothers suffered from anxiety due to the burden of care. Also, it was determined that 77.8% of the children were dependent to on their parents for their personal needs; and health problems such as oral cavities (46.9%); lack of appetite (43.5%) and spasticity and restricted movement (35.6%) were common among disabled children. Conclusion: It was found that most of the children had more than one disability and their disability was accompanied by oral, dental, eating problems, spasticity and other muscular disorders. Also, most of the caregivers were suffering from anxiety due to the burden of care. In light of these findings, we suggest that there is a need for providing increased support for children with a disability and their caregivers