Effects of Physical Health, Mental Health, Social Environmental Factors, and Quality of Life on Social Participation of People With Physical Disabilities

Abstract

Introduction: People with physical disabilities inevitably experience barriers to social participation, including physical limitations, health issues, stigma, discrimination, policies, and socio-environmental factors. Although this is a critical public health issue, no multidimensional, comprehensive, evidence-based intervention has previously addressed the specific factors affecting social participation in people with physical disabilities. This study explores the various factors influencing social participation, which contribute to health inequalities for people with physical disabilities. In particular, the physical and mental health, socio-environmental factors, and quality of life (QoL) among people with physical disabilities are examined.

Methods: The study used health data from surveys and clinical examinations conducted in 2021 and 2022 for 301 participants with physical disabilities in Korea. An observational, cross-sectional analysis was performed using 47 independent variables to analyze the risk factors affecting social participation.

Results: Crude analysis revealed 29 variables in demographic characteristics, disability characteristics, health behaviors, health status, mental health, socio-environmental factors, and QoL that correlated significantly with social participation. The adjusted analysis revealed that difficulties in social participation were influenced in the following order: poor subjective health, lower QoL, inability to freely use public buildings in the community, lack of necessary income sources, difficulty in using transportation, selective eating habits, increased depression, and experiences of discrimination. The explanatory power of the regression model is 46.4%.

Conclusion: To strengthen social participation, it is necessary to develop community programs that integrate rehabilitation treatment for managing physical disabilities and secondary health conditions with psychological and emotional support. In addition, social discrimination and health inequalities should be addressed through raising awareness and education about disabilities and participation.