Abstract
ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of disability among Syrian refugees living in Sultanbeyli district, Istanbul and compare people with and without disabilities in terms of demographic and socio-economic characteristics.MethodsUsing the municipality refugee database as the sampling frame, 80 clusters of 50 people (aged 2+ years) were selected using probability proportionate to size sampling of clusters and random selection of households within clusters. Disability assessment included: i) self-reported difficulties in functioning (using the Washington Group Short Set-Enhanced tool and Child Functioning Modules), ii) Rapid Assessment of Musculoskeletal Impairment and iii) screening for symptoms of common mental disorders for children aged 8–17.ResultsThe overall prevalence of disability was 24.7% (95% CI 22.1–27.4), when including people self-reporting a lot of difficulty/cannot do in at least functional domain (15%, 95% CI 13.1–17.2), moderate/severe MSI (8.7%, 95% CI 7.6–9.9), and/or symptomatic anxiety, depression and PTSD among children 8–17 (21.0%, 95% CI 18.2–23.9). Men with disabilities were significantly less likely to be in paid work compared to their peers without disabilities (aOR 0.3 95% CI 0.2–0.5). Overall 60% of households included at least one person with a disability. Households with at least one person with a disability had a significantly higher dependency ratio, lower proportion of working-age adults in paid work, and were more likely to be female headed and in receipt of social protection schemes (p<0.05).ConclusionDisability is common among Syrian refugees in Sultanbeyli. People with disabilities in this setting experience greater vulnerability to poverty and exclusion from work, highlighting an urgent need for inclusive services, programmes and policies that are developed and implemented in partnership with people with disabilities.
Highlights
People with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others [1]
The overall prevalence of disability was 24.7%, when including people self-reporting a lot of difficulty/cannot do in at least functional domain (15%, 95% CI 13.1– 17.2), moderate/severe musculoskeletal impairment (MSI) (8.7%, 95% CI 7.6–9.9), and/or symptomatic anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children 8–17 (21.0%, 95% CI 18.2–23.9)
The sample age and sex distribution was broadly comparable to the registration database used as the sampling frame (Table 1)
Summary
People with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others [1]. Humanitarian crises, including conflict and displacement, may result in increased prevalence and severity of disability. This may occur directly, for example through war-related injuries or psychological trauma [3,4,5]. The breakdown or loss of infrastructure, health systems, social networks, adapted environments and assistive technology, all potentially common in situations of conflict and displacement, can cause and/or exacerbate disability [6]. A key barrier to planning and advocacy for disability-inclusive humanitarian response is the lack of reliable data on disability; including prevalence estimates and data disaggregated by disability status identifying inequalities and disparities in inclusion, where they exist [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
