An epidemiology of physical conditions of destitutes (beggars) in Lagos

This paper attempts to classify the destitutes (beggars) in Lagos by their physical handicaps (deformities) in order to provide necessary baseline data in planning for their effective rehabilitation. The study was carried out on 183 destitutes in Gbagada camp in Lagos. 121 (66.1%) destitutes had physical handicaps. The limbs were the most frequently affected parts (55.1%) followed by eyes (45.4%). About a third of those disabled had congenital deformities which were not treated in any hospital and another third acquired their disability through illness (e.g. common preventable communicable diseases). 105 (86.8%) of the disabled could benefit from training for vocational employment. The need for a free medical sevice and rehabilitation of the disabled destitutes in Lagos is highlighted.