Abstract
Purpose
Families of children with disabilities often have needs related to the care of their child with a disability. Although there has been extensive exploration of family needs in high‐income contexts, there is little known about this issue in low and middle‐income countries like Bangladesh. In this study, we explored the needs of families of children with cerebral palsy in Bangladesh. Such understanding is important as it will help to improve services for children with disabilities and their families.
Methods
We used a qualitative approach and interviewed 20 family members of children with cerebral palsy who visited the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed, Bangladesh. We thematically analyzed data from semistructured interviews.
Results
Five different themes were found on needs of families with children with disabilities: (a) financial needs, (b) needs for disability‐related services, (c) needs for family and community cohesion, (d) informational needs, and (e) emotional needs. Participants overwhelmingly reported that financial needs were their highest priority.
Conclusion
Needs of families of children with disabilities must be considered in rehabilitation services to improve children's outcomes. Further studies are required to explore needs of families of children with disabilities who do not have access to rehabilitation services.