National Study on the prevalence of disability for children

Today, we launched the new study on the prevalence of disability for children in Albania. This study reveals that 1 in 10 children in Albania, or around 10%, has at least one higher degree of difficulty in functionality and development.

This study, which was supported by World Vision and Save the Children, and was conducted by the research company GfK in Albania, aims to identify the prevalence of disability for children aged 2-17 years in Albania, the main factors that accompany it, access and quality of services in education, health, social protection, support services and the ability to cope with them. The study is based on measuring instruments of the World Health Organization, and includes the biopsychosocial child development areas.

From the total of 13,000 families involved in this study, 55% of parents reported that their child has at least one difficulty in at least one of child development areas. More specifically, parents were asked whether their children have difficulty in: seeing, hearing, walking, talking, memory, care for themselves, communication, learning, behavior control, acceptance of differences, relationship building, concentrating, playing and socializing in group.
The final findings of this study will be shared with relevant institutions, organizations and stakeholders in order to improve policies and services for children.