Factors Associated with Public Attitudes Towards Persons with Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective：The aim of this review is to identify and summarize factors that are associated with public attitudes towards people with various disabilities systematically.Methods: An electronic search of three databases was performed (Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane) covering the period from 1950 to present. A comprehensive search strategy was developed and citation lists for potential eligible studies were also screened. Only quantitative studies using valid measurements were included, and the methodological quality of included studies was appraised based on three criteria (sample, measurement, analysis) by two independent reviewers.Results: Twenty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Three categories of the factors were found to be associated with the public attitudes, which are related to the attitude provider, disabled people, and society respectively. Specifically, the more people know about disabilities, the more positive their attitude could be; and the frequency and quality of the contact with the disabled are also proved to be influential to the attitudes. Meanwhile, the type of disability is also closely correlated to the public’s attitude towards the disabilities.Conclusion: People’s knowledge of the disability and their contact with the disabled are the main factors that influence public attitude towards persons with disabilities.