THE CLINICAL AND HEALTHCARE ACCESS PROFILE OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN PAKISTAN: A DISTRICT-LEVEL ANALYSIS

Down syndrome (DS) is a common chromosomal condition associated with intellectual disability & multiple medical complications. In order to conduce the study, null hypotheses were formulated to precede the study. A descriptive cross-sectional study with the inferential analysis was conducted to assess the demographic characteristics, related health conditions as well as healthcare accessibility amid children with Down syndrome attending special education center in District Mardan. The total of 100 students diagnosed with DS were included using purposive sampling. The standardized 15-item questionnaire was used to collect data, which was then analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Most participants were between 13 and 18 years old, and 70% were men. There was a statistically significant link (p < 0.05) between respiratory disorders, thyroid abnormalities, and sensory impairments. Still, congenital heart defects & neurological illnesses were not significant. There were also significant differences in healthcare access features, with high medical prices (60%) being the biggest problem. The findings of current study suggest that children with down syndrome in this context experience many health difficulties and inequitable access to medical care. Similarly, results reveal that these patterns are not random and have a statistically significant meaning in specific context. The improved care for those affected could come from earlier diagnosis, more awareness and better coordination of healthcare at district level.