Unmet Need for Disability-Related Services Among Children with Disabilities in Xiengkhouang Province, Lao PDR: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This study examines unmet need for disability-related services among children with disabilities in Lao PDR.

Methods: Data were collected from May through October 2023 on unmet need for disability-related services (healthcare, assistive technology, assistance for daily tasks, and disability-related support at school). Adjusted risk ratios compared differences amongst children using modified Poisson regression with robust error variance.

Findings: In total, 405 children with disabilities were recruited. Unmet need was high for all services. Unmet need was significantly more likely among poorer children with disabilities for healthcare (aRR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.7), assistive technology (aRR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.4), and daily assistance (aRR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7). Unmet need was less likely when caregivers had perceived knowledge of the specific support required by their child for healthcare (aRR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.6–0.9), assistive technology (aRR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.6–0.8), and daily assistance (aRR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–0.9).

Conclusion: Children with disabilities in Lao PDR experience unmet need for disability-related services. Unmet need is influenced by caregiver and family’s characteristics.