THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, HEALTH SYSTEM SUPPORT AND QUALITY OF REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH HANDICAPS IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Adolescents with handicaps require effective rehabilitation services to improve their physical, psychological, and social functioning. However, inadequate community participation and weak health system support continue to affect the quality of rehabilitation services in many low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the role of community participation, health system support, and quality of rehabilitation services for adolescents with handicaps in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted involving 200 caregivers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at p < 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that 73.5% of respondents reported inadequate community awareness programs, while 71.0% identified poor health system funding as a major challenge. In addition, 69.0% reported shortage of rehabilitation professionals and 74.5% indicated that quality rehabilitation services were limited by inadequate equipment and infrastructure. A significant association was found between community participation and utilization of rehabilitation services (χ² = 16.48, p = 0.002). The study concluded that effective community involvement and improved health system support are essential for enhancing the quality and utilization of rehabilitation services for adolescents with handicaps. Strengthening community-based rehabilitation programs, increasing government funding, and improving rehabilitation infrastructure were recommended.