FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FUNCTIONALITY OF MENTALLY CHALLENGED CHILDREN AGED 5 TO 14 ATTENDING REHABILITATION CENTERS IN KAMONYI DISTRICT, RWANDA

Disability results in varying degrees of activity limitations but does not imply complete inability. Globally, an estimated 150 million children live with disabilities and face persistent barriers to participation and inclusion in daily life. In Rwanda, disability is recognized as both a human rights and development issue;however, children with disabilities continue to experience social exclusion and limited access to rehabilitative and educational services. Understanding the functional abilities of mentally challenged children and the factors that influence them is therefore essential to promoting inclusion and effective care. This study aimed to determine the level of functionality among mentally challenged children attending rehabilitation centers in Kamonyi District, Rwanda, and to identify factors associated with their functionality based on assessments by parents or guardians. A cross-sectional design was employed involving 153 children aged 5–14 years who attended rehabilitation centers in Kamonyi District. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0).