Prevalence of nuclear and extended family with at least one disable individual in Turkey [Türkiye’de en az bir engellinin olduğu çekirdek ve geniş aile prevalansı]

Abstract

Objective: Depending on the changing definition of disability and its classification systems in the world, the data collection criteria regarding the profile of those with disabilities in Turkey have been exposed to transformation as well. There are very few family based studies conducted with samples representing Turkey, yet there is a great need for such a scientific data. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of disabled individuals with respect to their disability types in Turkey. Material and Methods: In this study, Lincoln-Petersen, Chapman and Bailey Capture-Recapture methods were applied to estimate the population size of nuclear and extended families with at least one disabled individual and disability prevalence in Turkey. Uludag University students were regarded as sample population to represent Turkey because the students came from all regions of Turkey. To generalize the study, the students were asked to provide information about their families. Results: Out of the 38.258 students, the number of nuclear family with at least one disabled individual is estimated with Bailey method is 637, with Chapman method is 649 and with Lincoln-Petersen is 833. While the number of extended family with at least one disable individual s estimated with Bailey method is 4.608, with Chapman method is 4.625 and with Lincoln-Petersen is 4.898. Conclusion:When the role and importance of family in Turkish society is considered, education of people with disabilities, rehabilitation, social security status, economic living conditions and the socio-cultural living conditions, these needs can be primarily addressed by the means of family base system. In our findings the prevalence of nuclear and extended family with at least one disabled person in Turkey is estimated to be ranging from 1.67% to 2.18% and 12.04% to 12.80% respectively