Factors Associated with Negative Attitude Towards Inclusive Society and Education of Children and Adolescent with Disabilities in Rwanda

Abstract

Background: Children and adolescent with disabilities are vulnerable to many forms of violence, discrimination, stigma, and exclusion which lead to lack of inclusive society and education.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of attitude and associated factors towards inclusive society and education.
Methods: This study was conducted under a cross-sectional design using a quantitative approach from September 28th to October 5th, 2021, on a sample size of 399. Quantitative data were collected through an interactive voice response (IVR) automated phone system technology from Viamo database, comprising 4000 mobile numbers in Rwanda.
Results: The findings revealed that 10% of the study participants exhibited a positive attitude, while 90% displayed a negative attitude. Additionally, factors such as perception that children with disabilities (CWDs) are unable to learn more rapidly in a general classroom, requiring special classroom settings, bringing shame to their families due to their disabilities, and needing to reside in special institutions were associated with a negative attitude towards inclusive society and education of CWDs. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their corresponding confidence intervals (CI) and p-values for these associations were as follows: AOR=8.994, CI (5.119-16.324), p<0.001; AOR=7.244, CI (3.3942-15.429), p<0.001; AOR=3.597, CI (1.124-11.511), p=0.03; AOR=9.501, CI (3.160-28.566), p<0.001; AOR=5.205, CI (3.924-11.956), p<0.001, respectively.
Contribution: This study contributed substantially on the building of inclusive society and education for children and adolescent with disabilities by increasing socialization and sensitivity awareness through the adults people and children. This also reduce stigmatization and discrimination of people with disabilities and promote equal opportunity among Rwanda and international society.
Conclusion: This study concluded that the majority of study participants had negative attitude and factors such as devaluing CWDs that are unable to learn rapidly with others, ashamed family due to have CWDs, needing special class and to live in special institution were associated with negative attitude and decline inclusive society and education.