Affordability and Accessibility Challenges of Rehabilitation Services for Children with Handicaps in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Children with handicaps in developing countries experience numerous barriers in accessing rehabilitation services, particularly in low-resource urban settings such as Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. This study assessed the affordability and accessibility challenges associated with rehabilitation services for children with handicaps in Kano Metropolis. A descriptive cross-sectional review design was adopted using evidence synthesized from hospital reports, rehabilitation centre records, and related literature. A total of 200 caregivers of children with handicaps were included in the study through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, percentages, mean scores, and chi-square analysis at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings revealed that 71.5% of respondents experienced difficulty accessing rehabilitation centres due to transportation challenges, while 68.0% reported financial hardship associated with therapy sessions and assistive devices. The study also found a statistically significant relationship between household income and utilization of rehabilitation services (χ² = 12.84, p = 0.002). Inadequate rehabilitation facilities, shortage of trained professionals, and poor governmental support were identified as major barriers affecting service delivery. The study concluded that affordability and accessibility remain major obstacles to effective rehabilitation service utilization among children with handicaps in Kano Metropolis. The study recommended increased governmental funding, subsidized rehabilitation programs, expansion of community-based rehabilitation services, and improved disability-inclusive healthcare policies.