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Caregiver Perceptions, Practices, and Challenges in Accessing Rehabilitation Services for People with Disabilities in Rural Vietnam

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  • Sinh Phuong Nguyen

    (Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sub-Specialties, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen 24000, Vietnam)

  • Hoang The Tran

    (Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen 24000, Vietnam)

  • Duc Dang Nguyen

    (Poison Control Center, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

  • Bach Xuan Nguyen

    (Faculty of Pharmacy, VNU University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam)

Abstract

This study aimed to examine caregivers’ perceptions, practices, and challenges regarding rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, with a focus on identifying factors influencing their decisions to bring care recipients for formal rehabilitation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. Data were collected from 214 primary caregivers using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, caregiving roles, and rehabilitation-related perceptions. A pilot study was conducted to refine the tool, and data were collected via face-to-face interviews by a trained team. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and stepwise logistic regression to identify key predictors of care-seeking behaviors. Results showed that 92% of caregivers perceived rehabilitation as necessary or very necessary. Female caregivers were more likely to provide care at home (95.3%), while male caregivers were more likely to utilize hospital-based services (73.5%) and to bring care recipients for rehabilitation overall (79.4% vs. 67.1%). Logistic regression revealed that female caregivers were significantly less likely than males to bring people with disabilities in for care (OR = 0.34, p = 0.02). Longer caregiving duration was associated with a reduced likelihood of seeking care (OR = 0.96 per year, p < 0.001), whereas caregivers of individuals with mobility needs (OR = 3.15, p < 0.001) and social integration needs (OR = 2.12, p = 0.05) were significantly more likely to seek care. These findings highlight gender-based differences and caregiving dynamics that influence access to rehabilitation. To enhance rehabilitation outcomes and support caregiver engagement, targeted policies are needed to address gender roles, caregiving fatigue, and the specific needs of care recipients.

Suggested Citation

  • Sinh Phuong Nguyen & Hoang The Tran & Duc Dang Nguyen & Bach Xuan Nguyen, 2025. "Caregiver Perceptions, Practices, and Challenges in Accessing Rehabilitation Services for People with Disabilities in Rural Vietnam," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jdisab:v:5:y:2025:i:2:p:44-:d:1646750
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wesley Pryor & Liem Nguyen & Qumrun Naher Islam & Faruk Ahmed Jalal & Manjula Marella, 2018. "Unmet Needs and Use of Assistive Products in Two Districts of Bangladesh: Findings from a Household Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Qhayiya Magaqa & Proochista Ariana & Sarah Polack, 2021. "Examining the Availability and Accessibility of Rehabilitation Services in a Rural District of South Africa: A Mixed-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-16, April.
    3. Xanthe Hunt & Melissa Bradshaw & Steyn Lodewyk Vogel & Alberto Vasquez Encalada & Shanice Eksteen & Marguerite Schneider & Kelly Chunga & Leslie Swartz, 2022. "Community Support for Persons with Disabilities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-17, July.
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