The role of quality of care and attitude towards disability in the relationship between severity of disability and quality of life: findings from a cross-sectional survey among people with physical disability in China

Abstract

BackgroundPeople with physical disability (PWPD) is the largest subgroup of people with disability (PWD) in China, but few studies have been conducted among this vulnerable population. The objective of this study was to investigate the level of quality of life (QoL), self-perceived quality of care and support (QOCS), severity of disability and personal attitude towards disability among people with physical disability in China, as well as to identify how QoL can be affected by severity of disability through QOCS and personal attitude towards disability among PWPD.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,853 PWPD in Guangzhou, China. Data were collected on participants’ QoL, QOCS, personal attitude towards disability and severity of disability. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the effects of the other variables on QoL.ResultsEven with a mild disability (mean score:1.72), relatively low levels of QoL (mean score: 2.65- 3.22) and QOCS (mean score: 2.95 to 3.28), as well as unfavorable personal attitude towards disability (mean score: 2.75 to 3.36) were identified among PWPD. According to SEM, we found that the influence of severity of physical disability on QoL is not only exerted directly, but is also indirectly through QOCS and their personal attitudes towards disability, with QOCS playing a more important mediating role than PWPD’s attitudes towards their own disability.ConclusionsUnfavorable health status was identified among PWPD in China. Focusing on improvement of assistance and care services has the potential to substantially improve PWPD’s QoL. Further research should focus on understanding the needs and their current state of health care of PWPD in China thus being able to develop better interventions for them.

Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Autism Stigma and Informal Caregiver Mental Health

“…Therefore, professionals should critically reflect and discuss with their peers their own attitudes, perceptions and practices to ensure they are serving their clients in a non-stigmatising fashion. Holding negative attitudes jeopardises quality of care (Zheng et al 2014 ) and may deter families from accessing services. Finally, given how autism stigma manifests in different degrees and types across cultures, it will be of benefit to families if the professionals they access are culturally competent; otherwise they may be rejected and/or distrusted.…”

Comparison of attitudes toward disability and people with disability among caregivers, the public, and people with disability: findings from a cross-sectional survey

“…A number of studies have reported the courtesy stigma exhibited by caregivers of PWD [ 16 – 18 ]; however, because this stigma is only one component of a complex of attitudes, few studies reported PWD family-member caregivers’ attitudes in Chinese society. Generally, a negative attitude can undermine the quality of assistance and support, thus decreasing PWD’s quality of life [ 19 ] and inhibiting PWD integration into the community. Lower prospects for the disabled may lead to maladaptive coping and inconsistent rehabilitation or treatment [ 20 ] and greater strain on both PWD and caregivers.…”

Rede de apoio a pessoas com deficiência física [Support network for persons with physical disabilities] [Red de apoyo a personas con discapacidad física]

“…A rede de apoio de pessoas com deficiência influencia a percepção do cuidado e a incapacidade das pessoas com deficiência 7 . O nível de percepção de pessoas com deficiência física acerca de sua rede de apoio é fortalecido por relações familiares e também por pessoas próxima [8][9][10] .…”