The Evaluation of Different Variables of Graduate Thesis Related to Disability Done in the Health Area in Turkey

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, graduate theses done in relation to disability in the health area in Turkey were evaluated in terms of different variables. Methods: The data of this research were obtained from the theses registered to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) National Thesis Center. In the YÖK thesis center, keywords "academic theses, disabled, disability, graduate, health" were selected. The "Group" was selected as Medical and screening was limited to the theses done in the scan between 2008-2018 years. As a result of the screening, 126 theses were included in the study. The theses were analyzed with the help of classification and content form for evaluation of theses including topics such as type of study, subjects, year, chapter. Data were evaluated by categorical analysis techniques as frequency and percentage. Results: 83.33% of the theses were descriptive and 16.67% of them were an experimental type. Theses consisted of 74.61% graduate, 19.84% doctorate, 4.76% expertise in medicine and 0.79% expertise. It is determined that most of the theses were made by sports sciences (37.30%), nursing (21.42%), physical medicine and rehabilitation areas (12.70%). In the studies, it is seen that the descriptive studies about the disabled individuals and their families are more and that the applied studies aimed at protecting and strengthening the individuals are limited. Conclusion: In addition to identifying problems, studies which include practices for solving the identified problems, developing programs to strengthen the disabled and their families both in health and social fields, and developing community awareness by educating the family and community are recommended to be planned.