COVID-19 and the reality of people with disabilities in Argentina: possibilities of complying with the considerations of the World Health Organization

CIERI, MARIA E.; RUIZ BRUNNER, MARIA M.; CUESTAS E; ESCOBAR JOHANA

Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Córdoba

Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

Año: 2020

Introduction: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO published considerations regarding people with disabilities. The aim of this work was to know if these considerations can be fulfilled and if there are differences in their fulfillment between age groups.Method: Descriptive study aimed at people with disabilities in Argentina. A survey was conducted about the four WHO recommendations for this population in online mode, between the 28th and 39th days of preventive and compulsory social isolation. Statistical analysis was according to the nature of the variables, X2 with Fisher´s correction was used to determine the differences between groups.Results: 309 surveys were collected from 18 provinces of Argentina. 230(74.4%[69.1-79.1]) were answered by caregivers and 79(25.5%[20.7-30.7]) by people with disabilities. Persons with disabilities were 138(44.7%[39.0-50.4]) children and adolescents and 171(55.3%[49.5-60.9]) adults and older adults. People with disabilities were able to comply with the WHO recommendations regarding reducing exposure to COVID-19 and to be prepared in case of contracting it. There were difficulties in the number of caregivers needed, since 266(66.6%[61.0-71.8]) have this possibility, and difficulties in 55(32.1%[25.1-39.6]) adults and older adults that do not carry out educational-therapeutic activities. There are feelings of anxiety, distress, or depression in people with disabilities and their caregivers.Conclusion: In Argentina, it is possible to comply with the WHO recommendations to avoid exposure to the virus and to be prepared in case of infection. Challenges remain to be solved in terms of accompanying people with disabilities in their physical and mental health.