Access to physical rehabilitation services among people with disabilities: Results of a national study in Iran

There is little evidence of access to health services among people with disabilities (PWD) in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to examine access to physical rehabilitation services among PWD in Iran.

A population-based cross-sectional survey of 2177 PWD was conducted in all provinces of Iran using a multistage cluster sampling method in 2019. The number of sample zones was determined by dividing the country into four socioeconomic zones and considering the share of the population in each zone. Data were obtained by a valid self-administrated questionnaire and analyzed.

The frequency of need for physical rehabilitation services among PWD is %16.6. Among the types of physical rehabilitation services, the highest frequency of needs was related to physiotherapy services. About 28.1% of PWD did not have access to the required rehabilitation services. The third zone has more need and less access to required rehabilitation services. Lack of access to information and financial inability were the most common reasons for lack of access to services. Basic health insurance coverage, low disability rate, high level of education, and socioeconomic status were the determinants of access to rehabilitation services.

Given the gaps in the fair access of PWD to physical rehabilitation services, it is suggested that policies and programs be designed to increase the coverage of rehabilitation services and their costs to achieve the goal of universal health coverage in Iran. The implementation of these policies should be evaluated.