African Journal of Disability最新文献

{"title":"Exploring barriers to access and use of limb prostheses and orthoses in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review.","authors":"Birhanu M Addis, Demewoz W Menna, Claire T Davies","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1852","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1852","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prosthetic and orthotic devices play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by improving mobility, health, psychological well-being, and socio-economic opportunities. However, access to these assistive devices remains a considerable challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this systematic review was to explore and categorise the existing barriers and challenges that affect access to limb orthoses and prostheses in sub-Saharan African countries.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A systematic search of seven databases was conducted to identify relevant studies using the search terms: 'prosthesis' or 'orthosis' and sub-Saharan African countries and variations of each term. Quality assessment of each study was completed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scale and the Oxford Levels of Evidence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-two journal articles were included for review following database search and screening, evaluating a total of 3726 participants. Results were organised into four generalised themes, and each theme was categorised into sub-themes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The review identifies multifaceted barriers to accessing and utilising limb prostheses and orthoses in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily driven by economic constraints and cultural barriers. The lack of multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams further contributes to fragmented and inefficient service delivery. Orthotic and prosthetic training centers and colleges are underdeveloped, facing problems such as ineffective teaching methods, outdated curricula, inadequate research facilities, and a shortage of experienced professionals.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This review synthesises evidence on barriers to prosthetic and orthotic access in sub-Saharan Africa, categorising challenges into thematic domains and highlighting gaps in service delivery, education, and workforce capacity to inform policy, practice, and future research directions.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1852"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058561/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A child and youth care approach to meeting the needs of children with visual impairments: A case study exploration.","authors":"Lydia Kankya, Rika Swanzen","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1851","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1851","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>As indicated by the 'interdisciplinary turn', a multidisciplinary approach is critical to meet the needs of children with visual impairments (CWVIs). A less explored discipline, however, is that of the child and youth care (CYC) profession. The Circle of Courage Model and Being, Interpreting and Doing (BID) framework were used to design a semi-structured interview for caregivers of CWVIs.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>A qualitative study was conducted to obtain an understanding of the CYC needs of CWVIs. The study aimed to obtain this understanding within the child's school and home microsystems in order to identify challenges, gaps and contributions in meeting the CYC needs of CWVIs.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative case study design was followed with the semi-structured interview schedules derived from the mentioned CYC models. Fifteen caregivers were interviewed telephonically, comprising seven home caregivers and eight professional staff members. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six themes and nine sub-themes emerged from the analysis. A key finding is that the caregiver's intentional approach to strength-focused development allows for holistic growth and self-confidence in CWVIs. The role of the caregiver is perceived to play an important role in creating 'integral environments' that cater for the CYC needs of the CWVIs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings from the case study confirmed the relevance of the CYC approaches to the meeting of needs and a context specific approach to activity programming. Recommendations are provided for the caregiver, the school, the CYC profession and society. A contribution of the findings is the unpacking of the needs of CWVIs within an ecological and activity context.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The results of the study provides insight into the understudied role of CYC in working with children with disabilities in an African context. It accentuates the importance of inclusive modes of communication on societal level, and resources required to ensure equal access to educational services. The article further contributes to the CYC knowledge base and meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 Agenda, targets 4.5 and 4.8, to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1851"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058502/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A multi-faceted analysis of disability and poverty in the Polokwane Local Municipality: A narrative review.","authors":"Kutu S Ramolobe","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1744","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1744","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The interplay between poverty and disability creates a cyclical relationship where disability can increase poverty, and poverty can increase the risk of disability. While extensive research has explored this nexus globally, less is known about its specific impact on the quality of life of persons with disabilities within localised contexts like the Polokwane Local Municipality in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this study is to conduct a multi-faceted analysis of the relationship between disability and poverty in the Polokwane Local Municipality.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study is a narrative review that utilises a critical synthesis approach to examine the relationship between disability and poverty.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This review reveals that person with disabilities in Polokwane face compounded vulnerabilities, with poverty manifesting as absolute lack of necessities, relative deprivation, situational crises and limited access in rural areas.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This critical review underscores the multi-faceted ways in which disability intersects with various forms of poverty within the Polokwane Local Municipality, highlighting the compounded vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This article offers a significant contribution to the understanding of the intricate relationship between disability and poverty, specifically within the Polokwane Local Municipality.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1744"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058499/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647063","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Injury profile, prevalence and risk factors among South African Para-athletes.","authors":"Siyabonga H Kunene","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1840","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1840","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Para-athletes are at heightened risk of sports-related injuries due to sport-specific demands, disability types and environmental exposures. Despite global research, limited data exist on injury profiles in low-resource settings such as South Africa.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To profile injuries, determine their prevalence and identify associated risk factors among South African Para-athletes.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 86 South African Para-athletes (response rate: 74.14%) using a self-developed questionnaire. Data on demographics, disability type, sporting history, injury history and risk factors were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 86 Para-athletes (median age 27 years), limb deficiency was the most common impairment (50%) and athletics (44%) the leading sport. Athletes trained 5.3 sessions per week and competed 3.4 days/quarter; adapted environments were significantly more common in men (67% vs. 33%, <i>p</i> = 0.015). Median injuries over 12 months were three, mainly in the lower quadrant (74%, <i>p</i> = 0.617), with strains (34%) and sprains (24%) most frequent. Multivariable analysis showed that swimming (odds ratio [OR] = 0.05, <i>p</i> = 0.010) and strength training (OR = 0.05, <i>p</i> = 0.002) were strong protective factors against injury. In contrast, skipping a warm-up during training significantly increased injury risk (OR = 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-7.9, <i>p</i> = 0.011), with athletes who did not warm up being more than three times as likely to sustain an injury compared with those who performed a warm-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>South African Para-athletes experience a substantial injury burden, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies and improved access to rehabilitation and education.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides the first comprehensive injury profile of South African Para-athletes, informing inclusive, evidence-based interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1840"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058513/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparing autistic workers in work adjustment: Employer and employee perspective analysis.","authors":"May L Elfina","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1794","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1794","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The value of diversity in human resources, particularly empowering employees with disabilities as assets, has been investigated by industry. Even in an era of economic expansion, the existence of workers with disabilities, particularly those with autism, is stigmatised.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to understand how employees with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) adjust their work and how their employers view their performance.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Mixed method design is the method used in this study. By purposive sampling, three employees with ASD were chosen as the main subjects, and their degree of job adjustment was assessed using the Work Adjustment Illinois Scale (WAIS). Three employers were also interviewed in depth to get qualitative data. Validity, reliability and normality checks were all part of quantitative analysis. Work Adjustment Illinois Scale scores are also categorised using a statistical method (mean ± standard deviation) before qualitative analysis is performed using the interactive analysis method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results show that the majority of workers with ASD exhibited moderate to high degrees of work adjustment. Self-confidence, the necessity of structural modification, and the significance of employer comprehension were among the themes that surfaced from the processing of the qualitative data.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Workers with ASD are able to make good work adjustments when facilitated with work adjustments from both the individual themselves and support from their workplace.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>In order to support the continued professional success of people with ASD, the study highlights the necessity of inclusive work rules and training for supervisors and coworkers to support the wellbeing of workers with autism.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1794"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058490/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developing implementation strategies for the framework and strategy for disability and rehabilitation in South Africa: An approach using the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change framework.","authors":"Naeema A R Reis, Sonti Pilusa, Natalie Benjamin-Damons, Juliana Kagura","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1804","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1804","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The expiry of South Africa's Framework and Strategy for Disability and Rehabilitation (FSDR) created an opportunity to critically assess its effectiveness, strengths and limitations to inform the development of a new disability and rehabilitation policy.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>As the primary gap in the FSDR related to weak implementation rather than policy intent, this study aimed to develop evidence-informed implementation strategies. Findings from a document review, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were triangulated and guided by the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) framework.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A descriptive qualitative design was used. Four focus group discussions were conducted with stakeholders involved in FSDR implementation to reach consensus on practical strategies to strengthen implementation. Data were analysed using combined inductive and deductive thematic approaches, and identified strategies were mapped to the ERIC framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven themes were identified as key determinants of implementation success or failure: limited awareness and training; resource constraints; poor interdepartmental collaboration; weak governance and policy buy-in; inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems; the need for context-specific approaches; and ongoing professional development. Stakeholders actively contributed to refining strategies within each thematic area.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight critical implementation gaps in training, governance, resources and collaboration. Addressing these through targeted, contextually appropriate strategies can strengthen future disability and rehabilitation policy implementation and improve service delivery in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study offers a roadmap for improving disability and rehabilitation policy implementation and can inform both future policy planning and clinical service delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1804"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058484/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physiotherapists' challenges with implementing the policy to Screen, Identify, Assess, and Support learners with physical disabilities.","authors":"Makwena M Sibuyi, Desmond Mathye, Muziwakhe D Tshabalala, Nombeko Mshunqane","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1881","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1881","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Challenges persist in implementing the policy to Screen, Identify, Assess, and Support (SIAS) individuals with physical disabilities, particularly in rural provinces of South Africa. The challenges are compounded by the existing imbalance in the distribution of physiotherapists where the majority work in the health sector. However, physiotherapists are well-equipped to assess functional limitations and adapt school environments to support inclusive learning and participation.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The study explored the challenges physiotherapists experienced in implementing the policy to SIAS learners with physical disabilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Seven physiotherapists employed by the provincial Department of Education participated in a qualitative, single exploratory case study utilising virtual focus group discussions. Data were analysed with a six-step approach to inductive thematic data analysis on ATLAS.ti version 19 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two overarching themes with sub-themes emerged: (1) Poor knowledge of the SIAS policy as a result of lack of in-service training and fear of transfers through the Rationalisation and Redeployment policy; and (2) lack of interprofessional collaboration because of unclear roles and responsibilities, and absence of support structures with regard to the School-Based Support Teams, Circuit-Based Support Teams, and District-Based Support Teams.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ongoing in-service training, defining roles and responsibilities of physiotherapists and improving the functioning of support structures are essential for effective policy implementation.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study bridges the gap in research on the participation of physiotherapists within the SIAS policy framework. Participation of physiotherapists would optimise support for learners and improve educational outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1881"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058580/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment accommodations for autistic learners in South African schools: Stakeholder perspectives.","authors":"Yvonne Nell, Alta Kritzinger, Marien A Graham, Renata Eccles","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1803","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1803","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Autistic learners benefit from demonstrating academic knowledge with the help of assessment accommodations, guided by South African examination policies, such as the <i>National Policy Pertaining to the Conduct, Administration and Management of Examinations and Assessment for the National Senior Certificate Examination</i>. However, stakeholder perspectives on accommodations remain under-explored.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored stakeholder perspectives (autistic adults, caregivers, educators, psychologists, speech-language therapists and occupational therapists) on assessment accommodations for autistic learners in South African schools.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A web-based questionnaire was distributed nationally to professionals and caregivers (<i>n</i> = 92). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative responses were thematically coded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Stakeholders reported a persistent policy-practice disconnect, with educators lacking the knowledge of accommodation policies, as well as the training to implement accommodations, particularly for autistic learners. Similarly, current policies do not adequately accommodate the needs related to sensory regulation and anxiety. Considerable variability emerged in accommodation preferences, reflecting both the heterogeneity of autistic learners and the differences across stakeholder groups. Respondents also prioritised universal design elements such as simplified language, redundancy and clearer assessment layouts, which are not currently considered in South African policy. Overall, findings highlight the need for expanded and individually tailored assessment accommodations informed by diverse stakeholder input.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight a disconnect between policy and practice. Broader autism-specific accommodations are crucial to support equitable assessment conditions in South African schools, especially for learners with sensory and communication challenges.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides insight into stakeholder experiences and suggests that current assessment policies may inadvertently exclude autistic learners. The findings support the need for inclusive, contextually relevant assessment strategies. The contribution aligns with the focus of the journal on disability inclusion by advancing evidence-based recommendations that promote full participation of neurodivergent learners in education systems, particularly within under-resourced and diverse settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1803"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969501/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From silence to sound: A journey through hearing loss, advocacy and academia.","authors":"Hanri Kriel, Maria M Kriel-Kruger","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1822","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1822","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1822"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developmental profiles of infants with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy at a tertiary hospital in South Africa.","authors":"Ayanda Myaka-Gama, Sibongile Mbatha, Sarah Lowick, Kebashni Thandrayen, Firdose L Nakwa","doi":"10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1729","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v15i0.1729","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a common cause of neonatal death and severe neurological deficit in children, contributing to medico-legal litigation.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To describe the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with moderate and severe HIE at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and the proportions with neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) and complications. To explore the effect of HIE severity and therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on neurodevelopmental outcome.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A retrospective, descriptive study at the Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Clinic included 239 infants with moderate and severe HIE, between 2015 and 2020. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed by using the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales at 1 year. General Quotient (GQ) scores defined NDI. Clinical and investigation criteria determined those with neurological complications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 239 infants, 211 (88.3%) and 28 (11.7%) had moderate HIE and severe HIE, respectively. Cerebral palsy (CP) was diagnosed in 9.2% and NDI in 17.1%. Severe HIE infants had significantly higher rates of NDI and CP, 50% (14) and 21.4% (6) respectively, as compared to those of moderate HIE infants, who had 12.7% (27) NDI and 7.6% (16) CP; 152(72%) moderate and 14 (50%) severe HIE infants received TH. Those who received TH were less likely to have NDI (<i>p</i> = 0.005), CP (<i>p</i> = 0.002), epilepsy and visual impairment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Developmental scores at 1 year of age were in the average range for the cohort, with equivalent profiles across domains. Those with severe HIE had the worst outcomes. Therapeutic hypothermia was associated with decreased CP and NDI in both groups.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This report supports the use of TH as a neuroprotective strategy in stage 2 and 3 HIE, highlighting the need for neurodevelopmental assessments at 2 years and beyond to determine longer-term outcomes and subtle deficits.</p>","PeriodicalId":45606,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Disability","volume":"15 ","pages":"1729"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12969479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147436448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}