Quality of life, self-esteem, self-efficacy and social participation of persons living with mobility-related disability using mobility aids devices within select Nigerian communities

Abstract

Background/purpose Disability has gained further global attention as a result of the integration of persons with disabilities into the societies. However, the association among quality of life (QoL), self-esteem (SE), self-efficacy (SEf) and social participation (SP) is inconclusive. This study was aimed to investigate the correlation among QoL, SE, SEf and SP in people living with mobility-related disability using mobility aid devices (MADs) in some selected communities of Enugu State. Methods This cross-sectional survey involved 200 consenting participants (mean age = 37.47 ± 13.00 years) purposively recruited from four different sampled communities who have community-based rehabilitation (CBR) services. Quality of life (QoL), SE, SEf and SP of participants were explored using 36-item Short Form Survey, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale and Participation Scale respectively. Data obtained was summarised using frequency counts, mean, standard deviation and analysed using spearman’s Rank Order Correlation, Mann Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results The mean QoL, SEf, SE, and SP of the participants are 55.06 ± 10.67, 25.00 ± 5.57, 16.36 ± 4.33 and 35.60 ± 13.50 respectively, which imply moderate QoL and SEf, high SE and severe restricted participation. QoL, SEf, SE, and SP significantly correlated with one another (p < 0.05). There was no significant influence of gender and occupational status of the participants on their QoL, SE, SEf and SP (p > 0.05). Conclusion Persons living with mobility-related disabilities have moderate QoL and SEf, high self-esteem and severe restriction in SP. QoL, SEf, SE, and SP correlated with one another. The possibility of improving other constructs by targeting one can be explored in disability rehabilitation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The increasing prevalence of disability presented the need to study four constructs of well-being (Quality of Life, Self-esteem, Self-efficacy and Social participation). The perception of one’s status and position in life can be negatively impacted upon by a mobility-related disability. Social participation may improve satisfaction and quality of life, which in turn could lead to better self-esteem and self-efficacy.