Treatment seeking pattern among parents of children with locomotor disablity

Abstract

Locomotor disability accounts for the highest number (1046) in rural and (109) in urban for every 100,000 population out of disabilities, according to NSSO.(1) Inspite of these figures, there is poor dissemination of information regarding specialized care for the locomotor disabled children. This leads to a substantial amount of ambiguity among caregivers in relation to which healthcare facility is to be consulted first. Moreover, there is no single point of entry into the multiple systems of care.(2) Often, complex criteria determine the availability or referral of services and delay detection and commencement of treatment. Socio-economic and cultural barriers further worsen the prognosis of the case.(3) Addressing the unmet health needs may improve the health-seeking behavior and thereby disease outcomes.