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Rapid health impact assessment of COVID-19 on families with children with disabilities living in low-income communities in Lusaka, Zambia.
Hearst, Mary O; Hughey, Lauren; Magoon, Jamie; Mubukwanu, Elizabeth; Ndonji, Mulemba; Ngulube, Esther; Makhoul, Zeina.
  • Hearst MO; Public Health Department, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America.
  • Hughey L; SPOON, Portland, Oregon, United States of America.
  • Magoon J; Public Health Department, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America.
  • Mubukwanu E; Catholic Medical Mission Board, Lusaka, Zambia.
  • Ndonji M; Catholic Medical Mission Board, Lusaka, Zambia.
  • Ngulube E; Catholic Medical Mission Board, Lusaka, Zambia.
  • Makhoul Z; SPOON, Portland, Oregon, United States of America.
PLoS One ; 16(12): e0260486, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1581782
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

Worldwide, children with disabilities are a vulnerable population and at high risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. There is little information on the impact that COVID-19 had on children with disabilities and their families, particularly in low-income settings. This assessment describes the extent to which the pandemic impacted seven indicators of well-being in three low-income communities in Lusaka, Zambia.

METHODS:

Interviews were conducted with a random selection of families participating in an existing program (n = 39), community health workers (n = 6), healthcare workers (n = 7) and government officials (n = 2). Descriptive data was summarized and qualitative responses reviewed for themes.

RESULTS:

Most families reported a major loss of income resulting in food insecurity (79%), housing instability (67%), stress (36%), and increased risk of child separation and neglect (18%). Most families did not report receiving governmental financial assistance and reported loss of access to health services for their child such as physiotherapy (33%). Stakeholders interviewed reported that COVID-19 information was widely available although few specific interventions for children. Families were seen to have greater food insecurity, more poverty, more crowding, less healthcare services and children left alone or on the streets to beg.

DISCUSSION:

COVID-19 and related containment measures have impacted the lives of children with disabilities and their families to a great extent. There is an urgent need for disability-inclusive responses that deliberately address the needs of children with disabilities and their families, notably uninterrupted access to adequate food, inclusive education, rehabilitation therapy, and income-generating activities.
Subject(s)

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Housing Instability Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Country/Region as subject: Africa Language: English Journal: PLoS One Journal subject: Science / Medicine Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: JOURNAL.PONE.0260486

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Housing Instability Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Country/Region as subject: Africa Language: English Journal: PLoS One Journal subject: Science / Medicine Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: JOURNAL.PONE.0260486