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Review Papers | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | Saudi Arabia | Volume 12 Issue 3, March 2023 | Rating: 4.4 / 10
COVID-19 and Persons with Disabilities: Perspectives from Saudi Arabia
Maher Saad Al-Jadid | Abdullah Al Ahmeri | Feras Al Turki
Abstract: Populations across the globe have experienced serious health impacts due to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and disability. Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, individuals affected by disabilities were found to exhibit greater susceptibility to the infection and face a higher risk of admission to hospital. In Saudi Arabia, because disability is one of the critical health issues, the present work elucidates the many aspects of COVID-19 in disabled individuals, as well as the measures implemented by the government to reduce itsill effects. A substantial number of COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia reported only mild symptoms, unlike those individuals with disabilities who showed a heightened risk of the disease in terms of severity and mortality. Several steps were taken by the Saudi ministry to control the negative effects of COVID-19 among this specific population, which include extensive guidelines overall and vaccinations as a priority measure. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, rehabilitation clinics in Saudi Arabia experienced a sharp escalation in the use of telehealth services. However, at present, only limited studies are available from Saudi Arabia on COVID-19 which focused on this people group (individuals with disabilities) and the value that such interventions provided. Comprehensive research is a crucial requirement to ensure clarity on the incidence of COVID-19 and its relationship with disabilities for the development of proof-based programs and policies in this nation.
Keywords: COVID-19, disabilities, rehabilitation, pandemic, Saudi Arabia
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 3, March 2023,
Pages: 506 - 510