Factors affecting the use of mobility aids devices among young adults with mobility disability in a selected Nigerian population

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the interaction of people living with mobility disability (PLWMDs), mobility aid devices (MADs), and their environment.

Materials and method

This was a cross-sectional institution-based survey with 51 participants (33 males and 18 females) aged between 18 and 50 years old. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling method with snowballing. Data were collected using modified socio-cognitive and psychological impacts of the device self-administered questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency count, mean, percentages and standard deviation and Pearson's chi-square. Alpha level was set at 0.05.

Results

The results showed diagnosis around the lower limb leading to disabilities implicated the use of MADs. The results showed the psychological factors and combined effect of psychological, socio-cultural and environmental factors were found to be significantly associated with the use of MADs at a significant level of p = .011 and .011, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings of the study suggest a negative effect associated with lack of proper use of MADs as well as the importance of MADs for promoting participation, inclusion, and productivity of PLWDs. However, the effectiveness of a specific type of MADs should be assessed in future studies.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Mobility aids devices are designed to help people achieve independence, reduce pain, increase confidence and self-esteem.

• Individuals with mobility disability are often encouraged to make use of the mobility aids devices.

• The type of mobility aid device required for each individual will depend on the mobility disability or injury.

Keywords:

• People living with mobility disability (PLWMDs)
• mobility aids devices (MADs)
• psychological
• socio-cultural and environmental factors

Acknowledgements

My sincere appreciation goes to the persons living with physical disabilities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.