Disability-inclusive parenting programme seeks to support families
Emmanuel Asher Ikwara, a researcher at CHDC, said the study found that the burden of raising children with disabilities often fell disproportionately on women, with some men viewing the responsibility as belonging to mothers.
Participants in a photo moment with the Acting Commissioner for Culture and Family Affairs Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Bakaye Lubega, Prof. Richard Idro, Deputy Principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Dr. Anthony Batte, a Senior Lecturer and Paediatric Nephrologist at CHDC after the dissemination of research findings at Hotel Africana. (Credit: Violet Nabatanzi)
Researchers have developed a parenting programme tailored to the needs of parents living with disabilities and those raising children with disabilities, in a move aimed at addressing stigma, social exclusion and family pressures.
The Disability-Inclusive Parenting (DIP) programme is an intervention adapted from Makerere University's Child Health and Development Centre’s (CHDC) Parenting for Respectability (PfR) programme. It was piloted among 172 parents in Wakiso district.
Emmanuel Asher Ikwara, a researcher at CHDC, said the study found that the burden of raising children with disabilities often fell disproportionately on women, with some men viewing the responsibility as belonging to mothers.
The findings also revealed that many mothers raising children with disabilities are single parents, leaving them to shoulder much of the caregiving responsibility on their own.
Ikwara said the study further identified stigma and social isolation among people living with disabilities, some of whom felt they had little to contribute to the upbringing of children with disabilities.
However, the DIP intervention helped participants build confidence and encouraged them to recognise their ability to contribute to their children’s wellbeing.
Dr Betty Okot, a postdoctoral researcher at CHDC, said the programme comprises seven to 10 activity modules covering understanding disability, its possible causes, adapting to changing family circumstances and responding to negative societal attitudes towards people with disabilities.
The intervention aims to help families understand disability, adjust to changing circumstances and strengthen relationships while addressing the emotional and social pressures associated with caregiving.
Three delivery approaches
Under the face-to-face approach, facilitators engaged parents in their communities, allowing researchers to observe how the programme was delivered and how participants responded to the activities.
The WhatsApp model involved facilitators, who were themselves people living with disabilities, working with the research team to share parenting messages through videos, voice notes and interactive activities.
The SMS approach involved sending participants weekly parenting tips, including guidance on caring for children with disabilities and maintaining healthy family relationships.
Researchers also found that WhatsApp groups provided an interactive platform where participants could share their challenges, seek advice and receive timely responses to their concerns
Although many participants preferred face-to-face sessions because they could receive practical support and have their concerns addressed immediately, the approach came with challenges, including transport costs.
Bakaye Lubega, Acting Commissioner for Culture and Family Affairs Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development speaking during the dissemination of research findings at Hotel Africana. (Credit: Violet Nabatanzi)
Dr Anthony Batte, a senior lecturer and paediatric nephrologist at CHDC who represented the director, Prof Godfrey Siu, said the department is testing different interventions in communities, working with parents to identify ways of raising children well. The team then collects feedback from communities and holds further engagements and discussions.
He said some of the effects of poor parenting include poor academic performance, difficulties in building strong relationships between children and their parents, and the adoption of behaviours that society considers unacceptable, which children may learn from their parents.
Batte said the implementation of the app had helped reduce conflict within households.
'Cheaper and more effective'
“Currently, the world has gone digital, so this is going to provide an opportunity for people to access information wherever they are.
“It is going to be much cheaper and more effective in enabling our communities and societies to access the information," he said.
“As you know, today almost everybody has a mobile phone. If you have a mobile phone and are able to access this app, any parent can get this information and use it whenever they want, even in the confines of their bedroom or kitchen. They can open the app, get the information and use it at any time.
“Another thing to note is that physical interaction is very expensive and also has limitations. People do not have time. People have to go to their gardens and attend to their work. Therefore, gathering them together to disseminate this information becomes difficult because of time constraints.
“I think this digital app is going to be very useful in enabling us to achieve the objectives of these programmes."
Bakaye said "as we review the existing frameworks and identify gaps, we shall try to bridge them to ensure that these programmes are implemented effectively.”
Prof. Richard Idro, the deputy principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences, said the digital parenting app was developed to take advantage of readily available technology, particularly mobile phones, to make parenting information more accessible.
“The idea of the digital parenting app is to use the media available to us because we all have phones now. Instead of having to sit somewhere and be instructed on how to parent, you can access the information freely on your phone," he said.
“Even if you do not have the support of extended family members to guide you on parenting, you can access this information directly from your phone."
Rose Nalukenge the chairperson of the disability council at Entebbe Municipal Council, said the app has been helpful in parenting, particularly for parents of children with disabilities, adding that it facilitates quick information sharing and feedback.