Abstract

"Introduction Differently-abled people may be particularly susceptible to Health hazard either as a direct consequence of their disability or due of lack awareness regarding personal and environmental hygiene. Objectives This study compares the knowledge, attitude, and practice of hygiene among the disabled in Kano state Rehabilitation center. Methods Cross sectional study design was used for this study. The sample size estimate of 8% margin of error, 95% confidence interval Z= 1.96, and proportion of disabled was set as 50% since no study on similar study on was conducted. Sample size using the formula (Z^2 (PQ))/d^2 was calculated as 150. And the sampling technique adopted was stratified random sampling (Equal allocation) and interview using a semi- structured questionnaire. Data consisted of knowledge about hygiene, personal hygiene characteristics, and Attitudes towards hygiene, were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 19.0. Statistical significance for all comparing groups was defined as a p-value less than 0.05. Results A total of 121 of 150 questionnaires were completed and returned (response rate = 80.6%). About 73% of mean score for hygiene practice were the blind that perform most and also attitude with 88%. Multivariate test, Wilk’slamda is 0.00 (p-value < 0.05) we have significant multivariate effect for the combined dependent variables. As such the group differs on their response based on the dependent variables. Test of between-subject effects, indicate that Knowledge differentiate the group, (p-value = 0.009), attitude (p-value=0.00), practice (p-value=0.00) which are significantly different, as such the mean scores differs across the group of the Disabled. Post hoc test, suggest practice played much role than attitudes on their hygiene. The state government should give emphasis on their knowledge which significantly differ less among the differently-abled. Conclusion Study findings indicates the need for more knowledge and improvement of attitudes of hygiene education in the rehabilitation center, and provide objective evidence that may guide the development of comprehensive health and hygiene intervention programs in Kano state rehabilitation centers. Successful implementation of these programs is likely to substantially attenuate the transmissible disease burden borne by differently- abled in the state. "

Authors and Affiliations