African Journal of Public Health and Health Systems | 13 April 2004
Evaluating a Community-Based Rehabilitation Programme for Landmine Survivors in the Casamance Region: Functional Mobility and Quality of Life Outcomes in Senegal
M, a, r, i, a, m, a, D, i, o, p, ,, I, b, r, a, h, i, m, a, D, i, a, l, l, o, ,, A, m, i, n, a, t, a, S, o, w, ,, A, b, d, o, u, l, a, y, e, N, d, i, a, y, e
Abstract
Landmine incidents in the Casamance region of Senegal cause significant long-term physical impairment and reduce survivors’ quality of life. Community-based rehabilitation is a key strategy in low-resource settings, but its effectiveness in this specific context requires more robust evaluation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based rehabilitation programme for landmine survivors in the Casamance region, assessing its impact on functional mobility and health-related quality of life. A mixed-methods, longitudinal cohort design was employed. Landmine survivors enrolled in the programme completed standardised assessments at baseline and after programme completion. Quantitative measures included the Functional Mobility Assessment tool and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative results showed a statistically significant improvement in functional mobility scores, with 78% of participants moving into a higher functional category. Quality of life scores improved significantly across physical, psychological, and social relationship domains. Qualitative analysis revealed themes of increased community reintegration and regained hope. The community-based rehabilitation programme effectively enhanced functional mobility and quality of life for landmine survivors. The findings support integrated, community-centred approaches for long-term rehabilitation in post-conflict settings. Programme implementers should secure sustained funding to expand services to more remote areas. Policymakers should formally integrate community-based rehabilitation into national health and disability strategies. Further research should investigate the long-term sustainability of outcomes. community-based rehabilitation, landmine survivors, functional mobility, quality of life, Senegal, disability, post-conflict health This study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of a community-based rehabilitation model for landmine survivors in Senegal, informing programme design and policy for disability management in similar post-conflict environments.