Knowledge and attitudes towards disability in Moldova: A qualitative study of young people's views.
BACKGROUND
People with disabilities in the Republic of Moldova continue to experience considerable discrimination and social exclusion. The Moldovan government recently affirmed their commitment to promote community integration. However, there remains limited evidence to facilitate understanding of these issues, and barriers to the integrative process.


OBJECTIVE
This study explored the knowledge and attitudes towards disability of young people within Moldova.


METHODS
A qualitative approach was adopted and 3 semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with schoolchildren (n = 12), aged 13-15 years. These interviews focussed on different aspects of disability, and community integration. Pictorial and written vignettes were used to stimulate discussion. The interviews were conducted and recorded in Romanian, and were subsequently translated into English to facilitate thematic data analysis.


RESULTS
Identified themes included: (1) Knowledge and understanding of disability. The young people's knowledge was limited and framed by the medical model of disability; (2) Attitudes towards community integration. A bias against long-term care institutions, but differing views regarding integration; (3) Perceptions of barriers to community integration: (i) Cultural barriers. Negative, even hostile attitudes towards disability; (ii) Policy barriers. Poor support services; and (iii) Physical barriers. Ongoing issues regarding accessibility.


CONCLUSIONS
People with disabilities in Moldova experience negative cultural attitudes linked to an outdated conception of disability itself. There are inadequate community support services and infrastructure which act as barriers to inclusion. At present, there can be limited interaction and participation of people with disabilities within local communities, and so few opportunities to refute persistent stereotypes and stigma surrounding disability.
Medical School, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Electronic address: s1005789@sms.ed.ac.uk.
Kenneth A
KA
McLean
Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Samantha
S
Hardie
Medical School, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Abigail
A
Paul
Medical School, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Gary
G
Paul
Medical School, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Iain
I
Savage
Medical School, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Paul
P
Shields
Medical School, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Rebecca
R
Symes
Medical School, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Joanna
J
Wilson
Medical School, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Catherine
C
Winstanley
Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Jeni
J
Harden
D000293:Adolescent; D062309:Community Integration; D003469:Culture; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008966:Moldova; D057766:Policy; D012929:Psychological Distance; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012574:Schools; D063508:Social Discrimination; D057545:Social Stigma; D013334:Students
Attitudes to disability; Integration; Qualitative; Young people