The Prevalence and Socio- Economic Condition of Persons with Disabilities in Hosanna Town
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Date
2016-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The data pertaining to incidence, prevalence and situation of persons with disabilities in
Ethiopia are fragmentary and incomplete, which need more investigation. The objectives of the
study were determining the prevalence of PWDs and investigating their socio-economic
conditions. In order to meet these objectives, both quantitative and qualitative methods were used.
The quantitative method was used to describe the prevalence of PwDs while the qualitative was employed
to reveal the socio- economic condition. A multi-stage cluster sampling was used, classifying the
town in to three sub cities, then the three sub cities were divided in to seven kebeles. The kebeles
were divided in to twenty villages each. 1200 households were involved to respond to
questionnaire to be filled about themselves and PWDs. The interview and focus group
discussions were also used to collect data from PWDs and their families. The findings of the
study show that the prevalence of PWDs in Hosanna town accounts 1.83% of the total
population, which is very low compared to the estimates of WHO 1980 (10%) and WHO and WB
2011 (17.6%). There are various reasons for the difference between this finding and the WHO
data. Some of these could be lack of awareness to identify the mild cases of disabilities by
respondents, and unwillingness to disclose their children with disabilities. The finding on the
socio economic condition revealed that except the situation of deaf children and their families
who are in self reliance compared to the other PWDs. Most of the persons with physically,
visually and intellectually disabled are poor and beggars. They have no access to community
social services, and they are socially discriminated and ignored. Schools and education sectors
need to include them in the regular classes. They need Community Based Rehabilitation centers
as soon as possible
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Disabilities in Hosanna Town