Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction of the Registered Disabled Persons in Uiwang City

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to investigate the factors influencing life satisfaction and quality of life (QOL) of the disabled persons and to help the planning and evaluation of Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR). METHOD: Data were collected through personal interviews of 503 registrated disabled persons in Uiwang City. Demographic variables and scores of modified Barthel index (MBI), modified Lambeth disability screening questionnaire (MLDSQ), Craig handicap assessment and reporting technique (CHART) and life domain satisfaction measure (LDSM) were obtained. RESULTS: The score of LDSM was 4.0+/-1.0. Life satisfaction was related to the age, sex, employment status, severity of disability, educational level, housing and residence, level of instrumental activities of daily living and social integration. MLDSQ score was the most strong predictor of life satisfaction (p=0.00) followed by social integration (p=0.001) and total CHART scores (p=0.017). And the factors influencing the handicap were monthly income, severity of disability, employment, level of education and age. CONCLUSION: Based on our study, we suggest that the CBR program of Uiwang City need to focus on improving functional ability and social skill of disabled individual and housing, and also promoting their vocational and educational status.