Attitude of Yoruba of Western Nigeria to handicap in children.

An assessment was made of the attitude of the Yoruba of Western Nigeria to visual, auditory and physical handicaps in children. The results indicate that although a good number of the Yoruba community exhibits positive attitudes to handicaps in children, significant differences were observed between the attitudes of the Western-educated élite and their illiterate counterparts living in traditional settings. The Western-educated group is less favourably disposed to handicaps in children than their counterparts in the traditional settings. Finally, there is a need for public education about the ascertainment of handicaps in children, their care and education. Nurses have a major role to play in this regard.