A Profile of Antenatal, Natal and Postnatal History of Clients with Uni-Disability and Multiple Disability Attending Services at Tertiary Treatment Center

Abstract

Background: There exists a multitude of factors contributing to the occurrence of disability, thus necessitating a comprehensive examination of the characteristics and demographics of individuals with disabilities who actively seek assistance from diverse treatment facilities. Methodology: The primary aim of this study was to examine the Antenatal, Natal, and Postnatal records of individuals with disabilities and provide a comprehensive picture of this population. The research design employed in this study was descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. A random sample method was employed to choose 100 patient files from the hospital registration of the National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) during the period of 2012 to 2014. The data was gathered using a semistructured schedule. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. which was afterwards followed by an analysis and interpretation of the data to derive the conclusions of the study. Results: The findings indicate that a majority of the participants (66%), hailed from rural backgrounds. Additionally, 47% of the respondents belonged to backward groups, while 57% fell between the age range of 6 to 18 years. The antenatal history reveals that a significant majority of mothers (99%) completed regular antenatal check-ups. However, a small minority, comprising just 1% of the sample, experienced episodes of bleeding during their pregnancies and refrained from taking any form of medication to address this issue. Approximately 99% of the individuals surveyed did not possess a prior medical record of Hypertension, whereas approximately 98% did not have a history of Diabetes. There was an absence of any documented instances of trauma during this particular stage. The historical data pertaining to the Natal stage reveals that a significant majority (96%) of childbirths occurred within a hospital setting. Additionally, approximately 36% of these deliveries were conducted through Caesarian section, while approximately 7% of deliveries experienced extended labor. Approximately 34% of the observed population of children had delayed birth cry, whereas a majority of 77% demonstrated a birth weight within the usual range of 2.1kg to 3.5kg. In the historical context of the Postnatal stage, it is evident that a majority of children, specifically 94% did not experience any form of infection. However, a notable percentage of clients, about 17%, did encounter seizures during this period. It is worth noting that no instances of trauma was reported among the children. Additionally, a significant proportion, approximately 34%, required admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) following birth. Discussion: The stages of Antenatal, Natal, and Postnatal development are of significant importance in the realm of human growth and development. Numerous studies have documented that complications arising during these stages can result in various forms of handicap. The results of the study do not provide evidence in favor of this argument. There is an argument positing that in addition to this, there exist numerous more factors that have the potential to induce impairment, hence necessitating comprehensive study. Conclusion: There is a need to study the reasons for disability other than the conventional approach and mindset.