A Meta-Synthesis of Disability Research in Western Africa

• Published in: The Journal of special education Vol. 56; no. 4; pp. 208 - 218
• Main Authors: Blasko, Alyssa M., Morin, Kristi L., Bauer, Kathleen, Johnson, Kelsey M., Enriquez, Grace B., Hunsicker, Lindsey E., Tasik, Emily J., Renz, Theodore E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-02-2023; SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Data Analysis; Disabilities; Disability; Foreign Countries; Individual Characteristics; Qualitative research; Research Methodology; Sampling; Special education; Systematic review; Transparency; Validity; Africa; West Africa; Western Africa; meta-synthesis; descriptive review; qualitative research
• ISSN: 0022-4669; 1538-4764
• DOI: 10.1177/00224669221090231

Most disability research is conducted in high-income countries, despite much of the world’s population living in low- and middle-income countries. Given the flexible nature of qualitative research, studies using this methodology have the potential to provide important insights into how disability is perceived across the globe. The aim of the current study was to synthesize the results of disability research in Western Africa to elucidate prominent themes and identify methodological and participant characteristics. Secondary purposes were to evaluate the quality of included studies. A total of 223 studies were included in this meta-synthesis. Findings reveal a diversity of disability-related themes and a need to increase transparency in reporting qualitative research. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.