FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH STIGMA EXPERIENCED BY CHILDREN UNDER SIX YEARS OLD WITH DISABILITIES IN BUGESERA DISTRICT, RWANDA

Abstract

Abstract

Over one billion people worldwide, about one in seven, live with disabilities, including an estimated 93 million children. In Bugesera district, the disability prevalence among under 6 children is reported at 3.1% based on a 2021 mapping study. According to the Umbrella of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in the fight against HIV&AIDS and for Health Promotion, people living with disabilities experience different kinds of stigma. This study aim was to evaluate factors associated with high level of stigma among under six children in Bugesera district. The study employed an analytical cross-sectional design with quantitative data. The study involved 363 respondents, determined using the Yamane formula, and employed bivariate and multivariate analyses, including logistic regression, to assess factors influencing stigma among children with disabilities. The findings revealed that 64.2% of under six children with disabilities had high level of stigma in Bugesera district while 35.8% had low level of stigma. Multivariate analysis showed that the parent of the child having not followed any formal education were 2.3 times significantly associated with high level of stigma with AOR(CI)=2.306(0.974-5.457), p<0.037. Also, the child not living in special centers for children with disability was five times more likely associated with high level of stigma than living in such centers with AOR 5.292 95% CI (1.650-16.976), p<=0.005 and having a multiple disability was also five times more likely associated to high level of stigma with AOR 5.123 95% CI (2.432-10.792), p<=0.001. This study concluded that the majority of the respondents experienced a high level of stigma, and three factors (parents’ education, area of living and type of disability) were significantly associated with high level of stigma among under six children with disability. As recommendation, the Government should plan and implement a country wide policy for a systematic fight against stigma among children with disability.