Increased physical activity, higher educational attainment, and the use of mobility aid are associated with self-esteem in people with physical disabilities

Abstract

BackgroundHigh self-esteem can help people with disabilities overcome barriers and improve their mental health and well-being. This study sought to examine self-esteem levels among Saudis with physical disabilities based on socio-economic factors. It also aimed to determine the minimum weekly duration of physical activity performed by participants and examine its effects, along with those of other socio-economic factors, on participants’ self-esteem.MethodsA participant sample (N = 582) consisting of Saudi individuals aged 33.78 ± 9.81 years with physical disabilities (males, n = 289; females, n = 293) was recruited to participate in this study. Levels of self-esteem were measured using the Arabic version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.ResultsCompared to women, men demonstrated significantly higher levels of overall self-esteem, positive feelings, and negative feelings (p < 0.01). The respondents’ average levels of overall self-esteem (p < 0.001), positive feelings (p < 0.01), and negative feelings (p < 0.001) also varied by type of physical disability. Wheelchair-using participants had the highest values for self-esteem and positive feelings; cane-using participants or those who did not use mobility aids had the lowest values. Weighted least squares regression showed that weekly physical activity was the factor that most affected self-esteem (β = 0.002), followed by education level (β = 0.115), then type of mobility device used (β = −0.07).ConclusionIncreased weekly physical activity, higher education levels, and the use of mobility aids were the factors likely to improve the self-esteem of Saudis with physical disabilities.

Primary Students’ Attitudes towards Peers with Disabilities in Physical Education in Saudi Arabia

“…Indeed, although the state guarantees the rights of citizens and their families in times of emergency, illness, disability and old age, there has been a growing tendency to view disability through the medical model rather than social [ 5 ]. People with disabilities are still stigmatized by their family members who associate disability with a kind of powerlessness and lifelong dependence, so the person with disability is isolated at home, excluded from social gatherings, and sometimes forbidden from family visits [ 48 , 49 ].…”

Readiness for Inclusion: Analysis of Information Society Indicator with Educational Attainment of People with Disabilities in European Union Countries

“…This research study examines the types of barriers related to education level to see the current situation of Europe and how the information society indicators are analyzed in European Union countries for educational attainments. Many studies in the literature emphasize that educational gains are important in terms of the trained workforce and the right to equal education (Song et al, 2022;Alhumaid & Said, 2023;Gomda et al, 2022).…”

Benefits of Adaptive Sport on Physical and Mental Quality of Life in People with Physical Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis

“…Adaptive sport practice offers a means to be socially active and to establish meaningful relationships between equals, reinforcing the emotional aspects [ 27 ]. The practice of adaptive sports may favor the creation of an athletic identity [ 29 , 31 ] through the development of self-esteem [ 28 , 32 ]. In line with this athletic identity, adaptive sports practice dissociates the disability label from a pathological view [ 33 ].…”

“…Since this strategy requires a certain initial investment in sports equipment; adaptive sports could be a good strategy for people with physical disabilities to take a more active role in their health improvement processes and could also reduce the health costs generated by the complications associated with physical disability. In addition, improving social participation [ 12 , 32 ] and family life [ 29 ] through the practice of adaptive sports [ 29 , 30 ] could contribute to diversifying social resources, thus reducing the burden on the main caregiver and the associated healthcare costs.…”