Neuro-Developmental Disabilities Screening and Assessment in Uganda

Details

Capability: Community Engagement and Health Education

Subcapability: Cross-Cultural Environmental Research

Project Timeline: 6/1/2008 - 4/30/2013

Sequoia Foundation implemented a pilot project in one urban and one rural community in Uganda for surveillance of moderate to severe NDDs (autistic spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation, speech and language disorders, visual impairment, and hearing impairment) in children 2 to 9 years of age. Screenings were conducted on a door-to-door basis using an expanded version of the Ten Questions. Children who screened positive and a sample of those who screened negative were invited to participate in a comprehensive diagnostic assessment and obtain recommendations on feasible interventions, if indicated.

Results of the screening and assessments were statistically compared to establish psychometric properties of the screening tool, and preliminary data was tabulated to estimate prevalence and a basic demographic description of children. Feasibility of future expansion of NDDs surveillance to other areas of Uganda was evaluated based on these findings as well as a needs assessment of the training requirements needed to strengthen and enhance Ugandan and international clinicians and epidemiologists to share information and resources.