Social Support among Children and Adolescents with Disabilities in Rural Rwanda-Karongi District: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support

Abstract Background Globally, children and adolescents with disabilities face significant health challenges, creating substantial needs for social support. In Rwanda, despite policy progress and inclusive education initiatives, children with disabilities constitute a marginalized population, particularly in rural settings where social support is limited. Therefore, this study generated evidence on their perceived social support and associated factors to inform the design of targeted interventions and policies. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Karongi District, Western Province, Rwanda. A total of 400 children and adolescents aged 17 years and younger living with disabilities were recruited. Perceived social support was measured via the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The quantitative data were analysed via descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression models to identify factors associated with the level of perceived social support. Results Among the 400 children and adolescents with disabilities included in the study, 51.6% reported medium perceived social support, 29.5% reported high support, and 18.9% reported low support. Primary education was associated with greater perceived social support (aOR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.12–3.08). Children living in violence-free households were more likely to have better perceived support (aOR = 4.11; 95% CI: 1.93–8.73). Conversely, children of widowed parents (aOR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.18–0.99) and single caregivers (aOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.07–0.47) had significantly lower odds of greater perceived social support. Conclusion While most of the participants reported moderate levels of social support, a notable proportion experienced low social support, underscoring persistent unmet psychosocial needs. Primary education and living in violence-free households were associated with greater perceived social support, whereas children cared for by widowed parents or single caregivers were less likely to report greater support.