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Impact of Assistive Device Awareness Programmes on Assistive Device Utilization among Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria

Abstract

Assistive devices play an important role in improving independence, mobility, communication, education, employment, and participation in daily activities among persons with disabilities. Devices such as wheelchairs, walking aids, hearing aids, visual-assistance devices, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and communication aids may reduce functional limitations and improve quality of life when they are appropriately selected, fitted, maintained, and used. However, many persons with disabilities in Nigeria may have limited knowledge of available assistive devices, their benefits, eligibility requirements, sources of supply, appropriate use, maintenance, and available rehabilitation services. Financial barriers, limited availability of devices, inadequate rehabilitation services, geographical challenges, stigma, and shortages of trained rehabilitation professionals may further limit access and sustained utilization. Assistive device awareness programmes provide an opportunity to improve knowledge about available technologies and connect persons with disabilities to appropriate assessment, fitting, procurement, training, and support services. Against this background, this study investigates the impact of assistive device awareness programmes on assistive device utilization among persons with disabilities in Nigeria. The study will be anchored on the Social Model of Disability, Health Belief Model, and Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. The Social Model of Disability emphasizes that disability is influenced not only by individual impairments but also by environmental, social, and institutional barriers that restrict participation. The Health Belief Model explains how perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived severity of functional limitations, and cues to action may influence individuals' decisions to seek and use assistive devices. Andersen's Behavioral Model emphasizes predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, and health needs as important determinants of healthcare and rehabilitation service utilization. Collectively, these theoretical perspectives provide a suitable framework for explaining how assistive device awareness programmes may influence assistive device utilization among persons with disabilities in Nigeria. The study will adopt a quantitative quasi-experimental or analytical cross-sectional research design. The study population will comprise adults aged 18 years and above with physical, sensory, communication, or other functional disabilities residing in selected urban, semi-urban, and rural communities across Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique will be used to select geopolitical zones, states, local government areas, communities, disability organizations, rehabilitation centres, and eligible participants. Assistive device awareness programmes will be assessed using indicators such as frequency and duration of awareness activities, exposure to educational sessions, information about available assistive devices, demonstrations of device use, information on eligibility and assessment, maintenance education, information about sources of devices, referral guidance, availability of educational materials, and involvement of rehabilitation professionals or disability organizations. Assistive device utilization will be assessed using indicators such as current use of an appropriate assistive device, frequency of use, duration of use, consistency of use, correct use of the device, adherence to recommended use, maintenance practices, replacement or repair where required, utilization of rehabilitation services, and continued use of devices after acquisition. Data will be collected using structured questionnaires, standardized assistive-technology knowledge and utilization assessment tools, rehabilitation records, assistive-device registers, disability organization records, referral records, and relevant programme documents. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize participants' characteristics, types of disabilities, exposure to awareness programmes, assistive-device ownership, and utilization patterns. Inferential statistical techniques, including chi-square tests, t-tests, correlation analysis, and logistic or multiple regression analysis where appropriate, will be used to determine the impact of assistive device awareness programmes on device utilization. Where a quasi-experimental design is adopted, utilization rates before and after exposure to the awareness programme may be compared with those of a comparison group to determine changes associated with the intervention. Diagnostic tests will also be conducted to assess the reliability, validity, and robustness of the findings. The study is expected to find that assistive device awareness programmes have a significant positive impact on assistive device utilization among persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Participants exposed to structured awareness programmes are expected to demonstrate greater knowledge of available assistive devices and a higher likelihood of using appropriate devices than persons without comparable exposure. Awareness activities may help individuals understand the benefits of assistive devices, identify devices suitable for their functional needs, access professional assessment and fitting services, and obtain information about available sources of support. Demonstrations and practical education may also improve confidence in using and maintaining assistive devices. Involvement of disability organizations and rehabilitation professionals may strengthen referral pathways and provide ongoing support. However, high device costs, limited availability, inadequate repair and maintenance services, shortages of trained rehabilitation professionals, poor accessibility, transportation difficulties, stigma, and limited financial support may prevent awareness from translating into actual utilization. The study therefore expects accessible, practical, disability-inclusive, and professionally supported assistive device awareness programmes to contribute significantly to improved utilization of appropriate assistive devices among persons with disabilities in Nigeria. The study is expected to contribute to the literature on assistive technology, disability rehabilitation, disability-inclusive healthcare, community rehabilitation, health education, accessibility, functional independence, and public health in Nigeria. The findings will provide useful information to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, state ministries of health, rehabilitation centres, hospitals, primary healthcare centres, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, audiologists, optometrists, prosthetists and orthotists, disability organizations, development partners, and policymakers regarding strategies for improving access to and utilization of assistive technologies. The study will also provide evidence-based recommendations for expanding assistive device awareness programmes, strengthening community-based rehabilitation services, improving referral pathways, increasing access to affordable and appropriate assistive devices, developing maintenance and repair services, training rehabilitation professionals, involving persons with disabilities in programme design, and strengthening policies that promote equitable access to assistive technology across Nigeria.

Keywords: Assistive device awareness, assistive device utilization, persons with disabilities, assistive technology, disability rehabilitation, community-based rehabilitation, disability-inclusive healthcare, functional independence, health education, Nigeria, public health.