Nurses’ And Midwives’ Knowledge of Developmental Disorders in A Ghanaian Rural District

Misconceptions and superstitious beliefs on disability negatively influence healthcare providers’ attitudes towards meeting the healthcare needs of children with developmental disorders or disabilities. This study assessed nurses and midwives’ knowledge on developmental disorders and their perspectives on the causes/risk factors among children in the Wa-West, Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Percentages, measures of central tendencies and Chi-squared analysis were conducted with the aid of SPSS version 14. Averagely, 76.4% participants responded correctly on general/basics of childhood disorders. However, 51(45.1%) believed all disorders lead to long-term disabilities with or without intervention. Many also attributed developmental disorders to curses 53(46.9%), bewitchment 51(45.1%), anger of ancestors/gods 54(47.8%) and mocking/teasing disabled people 50(44.2%). Only age (P = 0.011) was statistically significant with knowledge on risk factors/causes of developmental disorders while religion (P = 0.003) was statistically significant with general knowledge of developmental disorders. In conclusion, these widespread misconceptions and superstitious beliefs among nurses and midwives can hinder disability- awareness efforts and quality healthcare for children with disabilities in the Wa West district.