A Study on the Needs of Health & Community Services Among the Disabled at Home in Rural Areas

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the needs of health & community services among the disabled at home in rural areas. METHODS: The subjects were 146 persons with disabilities living in J-gun. The questionnaire was based on the needs of 8 categorical services. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, t-test, one-way ANOVA and Scheffe test. RESULTS: Among the respondents, 27.4% visited the public health center in community for rehabilitation therapy. The average score of need was 2.62+/-.79 education services (2.92+/-1.05); medical services (2.81+/-.82); nursing care services (2.75+/-1.08); connection services (2.62+/-1.20); housing services (2.60+/-1.09); emotional services (2.41+/-1.03); other services (2.24+/-1.06); and support of self-sustenance service (1.92+/-1.15). The items in highest need were medical checkup (70.7%), medication (62.1%), traditional oriental therapy (60.4%) and physical therapy (58.9%), and those of lowest need were device repair (8.7%) and guidance of facility admission (7.1%). Needs were significantly different according to age (F=4.751, p=.001), employment status (t=2.108, p=.037) and medical fee payer (F=5.061, p=.002). CONCLUSION: The needs of education & medical services were relatively high. Demographic factors were statistically significant in determining needs. For the disabled at home in rural areas, more various services or programs should be executed based upon the needs and characteristics of based upon the needs and characteristics of the subjects.