Mobility impairment and life satisfaction in the Northern Region of Malawi

There exist many psychosocial sequelae associated with mobility impairment, especially in low-resource settings where access to mobility assistive devices is limited. Objectives: This study aims to (1) define the burden and presenting aetiologies of mobility impairment in the rural Northern Region of Malawi and (2) assess the relationship between physical disability, life satisfaction and access to mobility aids. Methods: At mobility device donation clinics throughout the Northern Region of Malawi, adults living with mobility impairment were surveyed with a demographic questionnaire and a series of validated surveys to assess their physical activity levels (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire [GPAQ]), degree of mobility impairment (Washington Group Extended Set Questions on Disability) and life satisfaction (patient-reported outcomes measurement information systems satisfaction with participation in social roles and general life satisfaction). Results: There were 251 participants who qualified for inclusion, of which 193 completed all surveys. Higher physical activity scores were positively correlated with increased life satisfaction: (1) satisfaction with participation in social roles (0.481, p < 0.0001) and (2) general life satisfaction (0.230, p < 0.001). Respondents who had previously used a formal mobility device reported 235.5% higher physical activity levels ([139.0%, 333.0%], p = 0.006), significantly higher satisfaction with participation in social roles ([0.21, 6.67], p = 0.037) and equivocally higher general life satisfaction ([−1.77, 3.84], p = 0.470). Conclusion: Disability and mental health do not exist in isolation from one another. Given the positive correlations between formal mobility device usage and both physical activity and life satisfaction, interventions that increase access to mobility-assistive devices in undertreated populations are imperative. Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of the complex relationship between physical disability, access to mobility aids, and life satisfaction. Results from this study suggest the potential benefit that increasing access to mobility aids may have in improving the quality of life of mobility impaired persons in resource-limited settings, such as the Northern Region of Malawi

The use of mobile phone technology as an assistive tool for emotional support of adolescents orphaned by AIDS in South Africa

The majority of adolescents in developing countries own and use cell phones. Given the number of adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS in South Africa; use of mobile phones to monitor their progress; and provide emotional support seems a feasible and cost effective option to provide support. The purpose of the study was to solicit caregivers' views on the use of mobile phone technology as an assistive tool in providing emotional support to adolescents. Three focus group interviews were conducted among caregivers working in an AIDS Awareness Centre which is visited regularly by adolescents orphaned by AIDS. Contrasting views on the use of mobile technology as an assistive tool in providing emotional support were raised by the caregivers. Two major themes emerged: Doubts about the efficacy of using mobile phones for counselling and providing emotional support were expressed based on the fact that there will be a lack of direct physical interaction and communication. The second theme; in direct contrast with the first theme illustrated that the majority of caregivers acknowledged the potential and positive application in supporting adolescents. If appropriately applied; mobile phone technology could be helpful as a supportive tool for adolescents in a primary health care context