Features of integrated professional training for physically disabled people in a community-based rehabilitation programme in the rural and urban areas of Congo

Abstract

Abstract Background: Rehabilitation of physically disabled people at different levels of health system remains a major public health challenge worldwide. Disability issues have been explored from different perspectives including victims, health professionals, rehabilitation agencies, etc. However, to our knowledge these streams of research have not been brought together in order to link the disability, training and the career prospect of trained physically disabled. Therefore, we carried out this study aimed to evaluate professional integration of training for handicapped people after their training. Methods: A retrospective survey carried out in two rehabilitation centres in Congo. Data have been collected from centre registers and entered in SPSS. Proportions were compared using chi-square test. Results: Participants trained in rural areas are slightly more elevated with [53.1 (95% CI 44.9- 61.9)] %. of participants but don’t differ with their counterpart in urban[46.5 (95% CI 38.0- 55.1)] %. . The number of participants whose training is integrated represents 96.1% (123/127). Poliomyelitis is the commonest conditions encountered [62.9 (95%CI, 54.3 to 70.9)] % while tailor is the main field where physically disabled are trained most [57.5 (95% CI, 48.8 to 65.7)] %. More training are integrated to current work regarding setting of training (ᵡ2:4.76 P: .029), age ranges of trainees (ᵡ2:12.26, P: .007), type of handicap (ᵡ2:19.57, P: .0034) and type of trainings (ᵡ2:32.69, P: .0). Conclusion: Professional training integration has still have a long way to unless a comprehensive approach including type of disability, training and socio demographic features is included in the program. Further studies targeting alumni combined to ongoing assessment of the program are warranted to enhance its effectiveness.