Intervention research addressing environmental risk threatening young children with disabilities in developing countries: a systematic review

Purpose: Young children living with disabilities in developing countries face a range of environmental risks that may impact upon their development. However, very little research has explored how to provide interventions for, or support to, this group of children and their families. In this systematic review, we examined studies which evaluated interventions aimed at addressing environmental risk factors in developing countries. Method: Ten databases were searched. Websites of organizations active in disability and children issues were also searched. Results: Forty-eight studies met our inclusion criteria (11 qualitative, 29 quantitative, and 8 mixed-methods). The findings indicate that the impact of environmental risk factors on development might be ameliorated by providing disability-screening services, community-based interventions, targeted, and inclusive basic services. The review also identifies key barriers to supporting these children as stigma and discrimination. Key enablers include religious support and community education. Conclusions: Comprehensive interventions from screening services to inclusive basic services are needed and collaboration from related stakeholders, also utilization of local resources is vital.Implications for Rehabilitation Environmental risk factors threaten development of young children with disabilities in developing countries. Screening services, community-based interventions, targeted and inclusive basic services are needed to address environmental risk factors. Religious support and community education are key in addressing stigma and discrimination in developing countries.