Parents' Perceptions of the Health Services Provided for Students with Disabilities in Integrated Schools in Jordan

Abstract

Background: Students with disabilities attending integrated schools sometimes have several health issues that necessitate regular monitoring by healthcare professionals.

Objective: The study sought to assess the extent of healthcare services provided to students with disabilities in integrated schools in Jordan, as perceived by parents.

Methodology: The study used the descriptive approach and sampled 25 fathers and 23 mothers of integrated students. It adhered to strict inclusivity and exclusivity criteria. This included examining the provision of services based on gender (fathers, mothers) and the specific category of disability integrated into schools (mental, hearing, physical, and health disabilities). The researchers developed the available health services scale, and its validity and reliability implications were demonstrated.

Results: The study findings indicated that the provision of health care was subpar, with a mean value of 2.04. Additionally, the study uncovered statistically significant variations in parents' responses based on the gender variable. The average of fathers' responses was 2.20, which was greater than the average of mothers' responses, which was 1.86. The study found no statistically significant differences in the responses of the study sample members based on the variable of the integrated student's disability category (mental, hearing, physical, and health disabilities) at a significance level of 0.413, indicating that the observed value is not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of healthcare in integrated schools by considering the specific needs of students with disabilities and incorporating the perspectives of parents.

Unique Contribution: The study has provided practical suggestions to enhance the quality of health services in integrated schools, including improving communication among service providers and increasing social support for students with disabilities and their families.

Key Recommendation: The study suggests enhancing awareness and collaboration between schools and families, formulating health policies, and offering vocational training for service providers as means to enhance the quality of life for students with disabilities in integrated schools.