Journal of Contemporary Medicine (Jan 2023)
Evaluation of Special Needs Reports for Children
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to evaluate of the reports of children who applied to the Medical Board for special needs reports regarding gender, age, diagnosis, and special needs area. Material and Method: The special needs reports of 269 children aged 0-18, who applied to Adıyaman Kahta State Hospital Medical board between January 1 and December 31, 2022, were analyzed retrospectively, together with their sociodemographic characteristics. Results: The mean age of the cases was 7.4±4.9 years, of which 109 (40.5%) were female, and 59.5% were male. When the areas of the reports were examined, the highest rate was the cognitive area, with 42.4%. When the suggested special needs were examined, 43.9% stated the need for rehabilitation/early intervention to support cognitive functions. The highest level of special needs in both girls and boys was the presence of special conditions needs. There was no significant difference between the genders regarding the level of special needs. However, the rate of child and adolescent psychiatry area in boys (22.5%) was found to be significantly higher than the rate of girls (12.8%) (p=0.046). There was no significant difference between genders in other areas (p>0.05) Conclusion: Special needs reports provide financial, social, and exceptional education support to the needs of children and families. For this reason, medical boards must be organized to make the fastest and most objective decisions. Examination of the reports as a whole guides health professionals for quality service, social scientists, and lawmakers for permanent solutions.
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