Locally manufactured wheelchairs in Tanzania – are users satisfied?

African Health Sciences, 2016 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v16i4.37 · Published: December 1, 2016

Patient Experience Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how satisfied people in Tanzania are with wheelchairs that are made in their own country. The government wanted to provide wheelchairs that fit the needs of the local people and the environment. Researchers asked 75 adult wheelchair users about their experiences. They wanted to know if the wheelchairs helped them do daily activities and participate in the community. They also asked about how happy they were with the services provided, like repairs and maintenance. Overall, people were generally happy with the wheelchairs. They felt that the wheelchairs made a positive impact on their ability to do things and be involved in their communities. However, they weren't as happy with the follow-up services they received.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

75 adult wheelchair users

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional analytical study

Key Findings

1
More than 90% of participants reported that their wheelchairs positively influenced their activity and participation needs.
2
85% of participants were satisfied with their ability to carry out daily activities using the wheelchairs.
3
Participants expressed satisfaction with the durability of the wheelchairs (89%) and professional services received (71%), but not with follow-up services (77%).

Research Summary

The study assessed the satisfaction of users with locally manufactured wheelchairs in Tanzania, focusing on activity and participation needs, as well as the provision, repair, and maintenance services. The results showed that the wheelchairs positively impacted participants’ activity and participation needs. Participants were satisfied with the features of the wheelchairs but not with follow-up services. The study concludes that while users are generally satisfied, the concerns of dissatisfied users, especially regarding follow-up services, should be addressed to improve wheelchair service delivery.

Practical Implications

Improve Follow-up Services

Address the dissatisfaction with follow-up services by establishing better maintenance and repair programs, potentially through mobile workshops or local technicians.

Consider User Feedback in Design

Incorporate user recommendations, such as developing a foldable 3-wheeler and a braking system, into future wheelchair designs to enhance usability and safety.

Address Accessibility and Affordability

Reduce the cost of locally manufactured wheelchairs and improve accessibility to workshops to ensure more people with disabilities can acquire and maintain their wheelchairs.

Study Limitations

1
Purely quantitative methodology; a mixed-methods approach would be more appropriate.
2
Limited sample size due to unexpected events (drought and floods) causing relocation.
3
Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited sample size, which restricts generalizations.

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