Socio-cultural and Economic Challenges Confronting Caregivers of Children with Disabilities in Kilolo District, Tanzania

Abstract

The well-being of children with physical disabilities is highly dependent on the absence or reduction of the caregiving burden on caregivers. This study aimed to investigate the social, cultural, and economic challenges facing caregivers in the provision of social well-being to children with Physical Disabilities supported by MAWAKI organization in Kilolo District, Iringa region, Tanzania. The study adopted a case study design where interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used to collect information from the caregivers of children with physical disabilities, MAWAKI organization staff, and Village Executive Officers (VEOs). The thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative information collected from the respondents. From the study findings, it is concluded that the social challenges facing the caregivers of children with physical disabilities include inadequate availability of social programs, marriage conflicts, and poor family relationships. The cultural challenges identified by the study to affect caregivers of children with disabilities were community negative attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs towards children with disabilities. On the other hand, the existence of poor financial support, and the high cost of health and transport services were concluded as the economic challenges facing caregivers of children with physical disabilities. Therefore, the study recommended that caregivers needed to be provided with affordable social and economic support services together with the existence of effective implementation of government policies and laws related to disabled people in Tanzania.