Sporner, Michelle Lynn
(2008)
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS, HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE, COMMUNITY INTEGRATION, AND EMPLOYMENT RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO USE POWER WHEELCHAIRS.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Currently, about 13% of the population ages 21-64 have a disability in the United States and approximately 1.7 million of people use a wheelchair for their mobility needs. Additionally, over 100,000 individuals in the United States use an electric-powered wheelchairs and the use of power wheelchairs has been associated with increased opportunities to participate in society for individuals with mobility disabilities. While assistive devices have facilitated participation, barriers still exist. Approximately 30% of individuals with disabilities reported facing difficulties in accessing transportation compared to 10% of individuals without disabilities and transportation was reported as the most significant barrier related to their work environment. Furthermore, the national employment rate for individuals with disabilities age 21-64 is roughly 38% while the rate of individuals without disabilities is about 80%.The main objective of this study was to collect data from individuals who use power wheelchairs or scooters. Data were collected and analyzed on variables of transportation barriers, employment, community integration, and health related quality of life. One hundred and two individuals consented to participate in this study. Significant correlations were found between health related quality of life and community integration scores (Community Integration Questionnaire). Individuals who are employed have a significantly better HRQoL than individuals who are unemployed. No significant differences were found on the basis of self-reported transportation difficulties.Employment rates for persons who use power wheelchairs are related to the individual's health related quality of life. While previous research has shown that independent transportation is essential to employment for persons with disabilities, this study has shown that individuals who do not experience self-reported transportation difficulties have no difference in employment rates than individuals who experience transportation difficulties.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
| Creators | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Sporner, Michelle Lynn | mls7@pitt.edu | MLS7 | |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
8 September 2008 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Defense Date: |
20 March 2008 |
| Approval Date: |
8 September 2008 |
| Submission Date: |
14 April 2008 |
| Access Restriction: |
5 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 5 years. |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences > Health and Rehabilitation Sciences |
| Degree: |
MS - Master of Science |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
disability; employment legislation; transportation legislation |
| Other ID: |
http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04142008-171616/, etd-04142008-171616 |
| Date Deposited: |
10 Nov 2011 19:37 |
| Last Modified: |
15 Nov 2016 13:40 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/7159 |
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