Predictors of referral uptake in children with disabilities in Bangladesh – Exploring barriers as a first step to improving referral provision

Purpose: Making services available to children with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries does not guarantee their use. This study aims to identify factors associated with the uptake of referrals in order to investigate barriers to service use. Methods: Children with impairments identified in two districts of Bangladesh were invited to attend screening camps where their condition was confirmed; they were provided with referrals for rehabilitation and treatment services. Predictors of referral uptake were identified using logistic regression. Results: Overall referral uptake was 47%, 32% in Sirajganj and 61% in Natore. There was no association between age or gender and referral uptake. Factors predictive of referral uptake were higher income in Sirajganj (OR = 2.6 95%CI 1.4–5.0), and the districts combined (OR = 1.6 95%CI 1.1–2.1); maternal literacy in Natore (OR = 1.6 95%CI 1.0–2.5); and epilepsy in all three models (Sirajganj: OR = 2.6 95%CI 1.7–4.0; Natore: OR = 13.5 95%CI 6.5–28.3; Combined:...