Perceptions of Primary Caregivers of Children with Disabilities in two Communities from Sindh and Balochistan, Pakistan

Arisha Qayyum (1), Seema Zainulabdin Lasi (2), Ghazala Rafique (3)
(1) Human Development Programme, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan,
(2) Human Development Programme, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan,
(3) Human Development Programme, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored the perceptions, attitudes and practices of primary caregivers towards children with disabilities in two communities from Sindh and Balochistan, in Pakistan.

Method: Six focus group discussions and seven in-depth interviews were conducted with 37 women in the two communities – one urban and the other rural.

Results: Primary caregivers perceived disability as physical, functional limitations and the absence of any functional body parts. Complications during pregnancy and delivery were regarded as the major cause of disabilities. Lack of financial resources and limited access to medical and rehabilitation services were identified as the main reasons for frustration among caregivers, resulting in their giving reduced attention to the child with disability. Caregivers felt that behavioural problems of children with disabilities were a major challenge, and also limited their participation in social activities.

Conclusion and Implication: There is a need to raise awareness among the families of children with disabilities and in the community at large. Home-based community-level interventions are needed to reduce the social stigma attached to children with disabilities.

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Authors

Arisha Qayyum
arisha.qayyum@aku.edu (Primary Contact)
Seema Zainulabdin Lasi
Ghazala Rafique
Author Biographies

Arisha Qayyum, Human Development Programme, Aga Khan University, Karachi

The author is affiliated with Aga Khan University-Human Development Programme as a Research Officer. She is a Clinical Psychologist (M.A and Post Magisterial Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PMDC)) from the Institute of Professional Psychology, affiliated with Bahria University Karachi campus. Her research interests are childhood disabilities, learning disabilities and child assessment techniques.

Seema Zainulabdin Lasi, Human Development Programme, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Ms.Seema Laasi works as a Senior Instructor for Aga Khan University - Human Development Programme. Her areas of interest are early childhood development with a special focus on growth monitoring, injuries, disabilities and learning disabilities.

Ghazala Rafique, Human Development Programme, Aga Khan University, Karachi

Dr.Ghazala Rafique is a medical doctor and a public health practitioner . She is currently the Interim Director for the Aga Khan University - Human Development Programme. Her main focus areas are early childhood integrated approaches and policy studies.

1.
Qayyum A, Lasi SZ, Rafique G. Perceptions of Primary Caregivers of Children with Disabilities in two Communities from Sindh and Balochistan, Pakistan. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2013 May 1 [cited 2025 Jun. 1];24(1):130-42. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/105

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