Awareness of Health Care Workers about Children with Disability at Saudi Arabia 2024:A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Children with disabilities face a complicated, dynamic, multifaceted difficulty that may significantly impede their capacity to integrate or reintegrate into society as well as their primary daily activities. Nearly 15% of people worldwide live with a handicap, and 2-4% of them have significant functional challenges, according to World Health Organization data. Very little study has been done in Saudi Arabia on the incidence and prevalence of disabilities, and the majority of that research has focused on children with disabilities. Researching problems relating to disabilities in Saudi Arabia presents a number of challenges. Here, we examine the present state of Saudi Arabian healthcare professionals' knowledge about children with disabilities. Regretfully, compared to their classmates who are usually developing, children with impairments spend less time participating in PA. In order to help children with impairments raise their level of PA, parents are essential. Nevertheless, little is known about the variables associated with parental support for PA among non-Western parents of disabled children, especially when it comes to Saudi Arabia.

Aim of the study: The study's objective is to evaluate health care professionals' knowledge of children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia in 2024.

Method: Based on a review of the literature, a written questionnaire was created for a cross-sectional survey that was carried out between October and November 2024 among 200 patients who were receiving basic healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Items on the questionnaire measure healthcare professionals' knowledge about children with disabilities.

Result: The majority of participants (38.0%) were in the age group of >38 years, while the majority (32.0%) were in the age group of 25-35 years, followed by the majority of participants (20.0%) in the age group of 32-38 years. The majority of participants were male, with a higher proportion of males than females (54.8% and 45.2%). In terms of marital status, the majority of participants were married (50.0%) and divorced (26.0%); in terms of education, the majority of participants were collectors or higher (32.0%) and secondary practitioners (26.0%), while the majority of participants were private (68.0%).

Conclusion: Due to both structural and personal constraints, it is still very difficult for Saudi Arabian children with impairments to get treatment. The research emphasizes the need to improve professional training, change policies, and make services more physically and financially accessible. Reducing health inequalities and enhancing care for children with disabilities requires addressing these concerns via comprehensive educational programs and focused interventions.