بكالوريوس / Bachelor's

Brief Description of Study: This descriptive cross-sectional study aims to assess unmet healthcare needs and barriers to care among individuals with disabilities in Dongola Localty, Northern State, Sudan, in 2026. Utilizing the Northern State Disability Council’s official registry as a sampling frame, a target sample of 216 registered individuals will be selected. Data will be collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, disability types via the Washington Group Short Set, healthcare-seeking behaviors, and specific financial, geographic, and institutional barriers. The findings will provide essential evidence to support inclusive health planning and advocacy in the region.

Confidentiality Protection Measures: - Anonymity: All personal identifiers (such as names and specific contact details) will be removed from the questionnaires, and each participant will be assigned a unique identification code for data entry and analysis. - Secure Storage: Completed questionnaires and digital data files will be kept in password-protected digital storage and locked physical files accessible exclusively to the authorized research team. - Informed Consent: Participants will be fully informed about the study's purpose, confidentiality safeguards, and their voluntary right to withdraw at any stage without affecting their rights or services from the Council. - Data Reporting: Results will be reported strictly in aggregate forms or generalized statistical summaries, ensuring that no individual participant can be identified in any publication or report. -

Potential Risks to Participants: - Psychological or Emotional Distress: Some participants may experience mild fatigue, inconvenience, or emotional discomfort when discussing barriers to healthcare, discrimination, or challenges related to their disability. - Privacy and Confidentiality Risks: Although strict security measures are implemented, there is a minimal risk of accidental disclosure of personal or health information. - Time Burden: Answering the structured interviewer-administered questionnaire will require approximately 15 to 20 minutes of the participant's or proxy's time, which may cause minor disruption to their daily routine.

Potential Benefits: - Direct Benefits: Participants may not receive immediate direct material benefits, but the study provides them with a platform to voice their challenges, unmet healthcare needs, and experiences regarding healthcare access. - Indirect and Societal Benefits: The findings will provide health authorities in Northern State and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities with updated, evidence-based data. This information is essential for improving inclusive health planning, addressing documented barriers (financial, geographic, and institutional), and advocating for better healthcare services and policies tailored to individuals with disabilities.