Influence of attitude and culture on quality of life of polio survivors in Nigeria

Abstract

As in most low and middle-income countries, persons with disabilities in Nigeria experience various forms of social and attitudinal  barriers that may adversely affect almost all aspects of their life. These barriers often stem from harmful traditional and cultural practices  toward disability and persons with disabilities. Social and attitudinal barriers reported in Nigeria include stigmatization,  discrimination, and physical and sexual abuse. Consequences of social and attitudinal barriers are likely to marginalize and exclude  persons with disabilities from participating in mainstream life. The overall effect of participation restriction, stigmatization, and  discrimination could undermine the wellbeing and quality of life of persons with disabilities including polio survivors. This article  discusses how socio-cultural attitudes and beliefs of Nigerians toward physical disability may influence the perception of quality of life  among polio survivors in Nigeria.