Exploring the impact of accessibility of public buildings on participation by PWML in Zambia via the IPAQ

Abstract

To describe how People with Mobility limitations perceive their participation in life situations and determine the relationship between accessibility of public buildings and participation problems experienced. A descriptive study design. Five out of nine provinces of Zambia utilising registers of people with physical disabilities. Utilised stratified purposive sampling method to recruit 75 participants/informants via registers of disability associations and government institutions providing services to people with disabilities. None Level of participation was assessed using the Impact on Participation Autonomy Questionnaire (IPAQ). The majority (80 - 89%) of persons with mobility limitations have poor to very poor outdoor mobility leading to poor to very poor chances of participating in life situations such as visiting, going for holidays, outings, enjoyment and leisure. Eighty-one to ninety one (81 - 91%) have poor to very poor chances of engaging in work and education. Most participants (72 – 84%) experience minor to severe problems with significant negative impact in their participation in life situations such as fulfilling family role, control of finances and attaining education and training. This study reveals the extent of participation restrictions experienced by people with mobility limitations in Zambia. The results specify the critical role the built environment plays in the lives of people with mobility limitations however, it does not highlight what needs to be corrected in public buildings to ensure full participation which should be the basis for further enquiry.