Some family problems associated with the presence of a child with handicap in Nigeria

Summary The problems presented in 53 families by the presence of handicapped children arising from cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, Erb's palsy, talipes, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and trauma, were studied in Benin City, Nigeria. Among other things, most fathers were found to be indifferent to their handicapped children and there was a highly significant difference in attitude between educated and enlightened fathers of handicapped children, and their barely educated counterparts. A statistically significant proportion of handicapped children were prevented from going to school because of their disabilities and in half of the families studied, occasional squabbles arose because of the presence of a handicapped child. It is suggested that Nigeria and similar developing countries should lay emphasis on health education in their on‐going primary health care schemes.