A NON-COMPARATIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF THE RISK FACTORS FOR CHILDHOOD DISABILITY, AND THE REHABILITATION SERVICES IN JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

OBJECTIVES: Identify the possible risk factors in our community that may influence having a disabled child, and identify the rehabilitation services available to disabled children. METHODS: Data were collected from six rehabilitation institutes for auditory, visual and mental disabilities in Jeddah City during April 1999. Complete data available on sociodemographic and medical risk factors were extracted from the institutes’ files. Personal interviews with the disabled were conducted to confirm information on the services offered to them. RESULTS: Certain modifiable risk factors affecting child health, such as early and late marriages and childbearing, illiteracy, unemployment, high parity and consanguineous marriages still exist in our community. Occupational hazards were also detected among military workers and working women. Disabilities related to perinatal health with antenatal, natal and postnatal components were also observed. According to resources available, various rehabilitation services are offered to disabled children. CONCLUSION: The need for intervention in two areas of health is crucial. The first is the prevention of future disabilities through continuous research, modification of unfavorable habits and the strengthening of the quality of perinatal care. The second is the improvement of rehabilitation services in order to raise the quality of life of the handicapped.