INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study 

Whether inception of disability occurs gradually or sudden, may it be congenital or acquired, temporary or permanent, disability alters the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual health of individuals (Falvo, 2014; Nosek, 2012; World Health Organization (WHO), 1980; World Health Organization (WHO), 2001). 

Disability related terms are often used incorrectly and interchangeably. Vash and Crewe  (2004) use The World Health Organization’s International Code of Impairment, Disease, and  Handicap’s (1980) recommendation to help clarify acceptable language use for referring to disability; impairment refers to “conditions or diseases of the body or its organs”, disability refers to “any functional limitation or restrictions in the ability to carry our activity resulting from an illness, injury, or birth defect”, and handicap “refers to the interference experienced by a person with a disability in a restrictive environment”. The experience of disability impacts a large majority of the population to varying degrees, either directly or indirectly.  Falvo (2014) explains that, “the term experience implies that not all individuals–even those with the same medication condition—are affected by disability in the same way” (p. 2). This statement gives perspective into the myriad of complexities involving disability and its multidimensionality.  Personal factors, social environments, physical environments and developmental factors, all impact individuals lived experiences with disability (Falvo, 2014).   

A considerable amount of the information available to persons with disabilities and their families, is rooted in historic traditions that represent the presence of disability as burdensome and negative (Falvo, 2014; Meyers, Jenkins-Lindburg, Nied, 2013; Nosek, 2012). This predisposes persons affected by disability to feelings of blame and isolation in an unjust society as ours (Griffin & McClintock, 1997; Haegele& Hodge, 2016).  Medical discoveries and technological advancements make treatment options available for many who wish to decrease the effects of disabling conditions.  Regrettably, societal oppression of persons with disabilities is propagated by the notion that impairments, which lead to disability due to attitudinal and environmental factors, should be cured.  In Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries few studies have been conducted in recent years on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of community members and healthcare workers towards people with disability (Chikaodiri, 2009). The aforementioned studies indicated that people with higher education tend to have more knowledge and positive attitudes towards people with disability (Ndetei, et al, 2011). Some studies conducted also expose the various myths and misconceptions about people with disability were the participants in the study often expressed fear and attitudes towards people with people with disability and often viewed the people with disability as dirty, worthless, and dangerous. Sometimes people also associate people with people with disability with witchcraft and works of evil machines (Ewhoudjakpor, 2009).  In Nigeria, poverty, war, famine displacement and homelessness are common, Physical Disability is also becoming a major public health problem. However, little is known about perception of the public regarding people with disability (Tibebe & Tesfay., 2015). 

1.2. Problem Statement 

People with disability are estimated to constitute about 14% of the global burden of disease, with approximately 80% of people with people with disability living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) such as Nigeria. Majority of these cases are handled by non-medical experts where majority of them go unrecognized leading financial loss. Misconceptions about physical disability patients being under the control of evil spirits and therefore being dangerous (Kigozi, et al, 2015).  

Cultural beliefs have a great impact on Physical Disability care, treatment and people with disability. Globally, more than 70% of people with people with disability receive no treatment from health care staff. This phenomenon is more prominent in African communities especially in Sub Saharan Africa (Manda, et al, 2017). 

Despite the increased burden of physical disability, still there is information gap showing the knowledge and attitude of residents towards people with disability. Therefore, the results of this study will be used as base line data for planning to improve the knowledge and attitude of residents and for further studies on the subject area. 

1.3 Purpose of the Study 

The purpose of the study is to assess the knowledge, perception and attitude of adults towards people with disabilities 

1.4 Objectives of the Study 

• To assess the knowledge and perception towards people with disability among residents of Orlu Local government Imo State.

• To explore the attitudes towards people with disability among residents of Orlu Local government Imo State.

• To assess the care towards people with disability among residents of Orlu Local government Imo State. 

1.5 Research Questions 

The research questions are: 

• What is the knowledge and perception of the residents of Orlu Local government Imo State towards people with disability?

• What are the attitudes of the residents of Orlu Local government Imo State towards people with disability?

• What is the care towards people with disability among residents of Orlu Local government Imo State?

1.6 Justification of the study 

Various studies have indicated that negative attitudes, prejudice and discrimination towards persons with disability occur globally (Barke, et al, 2011).  Studies have also shown that lack of knowledge regarding the manifestation of people with disability has a role to play in handling these patients.  This indicates the need for the public regarding Physical Disability literacy (Kutcher, et al, 2016). Therefore, the study findings will be beneficial to; 

Ministry of Health 

It might enable policy makers to formulate training guidelines for community sensitization on management of people with disability and how they can be changed. 

Nursing practice

The results of the study could contribute to a body of knowledge on the public’s attitudes towards people with disability which may contribute to the implementation and initiation of relevant study programs. 

1.7 Organization of The Study

This study is organized into five chapters. Chapter one included the background of the study, research problem, research objectives and questions as well as limitation of the study. Chapter two contains the literature review. Chapter three includes the methodology and study area. Chapter Four contains the results and discussion of key findings of the study. Chapter Five finally looks at the summary, conclusions, and recommendations based on the findings. 

1.8 Limitations of the study 

 Rainy weather: The rains would interfere with the scheduled dates and time of interaction with the respondents. This was over came by use of an umbrella, rain coat and gumboots.  The researcher sought assistance from the parent, and friends to provide him with money for research.