The Journal of Korean Society of Community-Based Occupational Therapy Vol.12 No.2 pp.47-58
Changes in Social Participation and Quality of Life of Adults with Physical Disabilities due to COVID-19
Key Words : Social participation,Quality of life,Aphysical disability,COVID-19
Abstract
Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify changes in social participation levels and quality of life of adults with physical disabilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine if there is any correlation between the quality of life and the social participation. Methods : The change in social participation of 92 disabled people living in Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do was measured between before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and their quality of life was quantified as the subjective quality of life of the physical disabled. Results : Studies have revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has induced significant changes in overall social participation, interpersonal relationships, social and economic life, family life, transport, civic life, and total health. And there were significant changes in overall quality of life, family relationships and relationships with other relatives, physical and mental health, leisure activities, occupational and daily work, self-respect, and general life. The social participation and the quality of life caused by COVID-19 have been shown to be significantly correlated with overall social participation, interpersonal relationships, social and economic life, communication, transport, civic life, and total health. Conclusion : COVID-19 has decreased the social participation and quality of life of the disabled, and a lower level of social participation is associated with a the lower quality of life. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of life of physically disabled, interventions that promote social participation are necessary.