Descriptive epidemiology of typical physical disabilities in Medina: A clinic-based study

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of the study were to statistically analyse the data for a range of indications, such as flat-foot, club-foot, knee osteoarthritis, diabetes footwear, amputations, drop-foot, various types of sprains, and foot deformity amongst other physical disabilities. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at the Medical Rehabilitation Hospital, Median during the year 2018. The data extraction was carried out for a five-year period ranging from 2013 till 2017 through the patients’ prescription forms, collected by the hospital. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 21.0. Statistics showed a non-linear trend of physical disabilities during the five-year period. Results: This exploratory study thus highlights the need for broader, centralised data collection of this kind from all public and private hospitals in the Kingdom. This could lead to the development of an electronic database, which in turn would help the authorities to plan and manage the resources required for the rehabilitation of patients requiring such care. Moreover, it is recommended that a follow-up of patients be made an integral part of the data collection process so that the outcome measures can be gauged and the patients’ quality of life may be further improved. Conclusion: This study provides important insights that medical rehabilitation programs need comprehensive strategies to further improve their effectiveness