Health Promotion for People with Disabilities: A Primer for Rehabilitation Counsellors

Applying theory to overcome internal barriers for healthy behavior change in adults with intellectual disabilities

Adults with disabilities are 57% less physically active than individuals without disabilities and two times as likely to be obese. With obesity, adults with disabilities also face increased risk of comorbid disabilities stemming from obesity. The purpose of this theoretical case study was to identify key behavioral change theories which may be utilized to increase physical activity levels in adults with intellectual disabilities. The Self-Efficacy Theory and Self-Determination Theory both present constructs for understanding behavior change, and many of these constructs are interrelated which strongly suggests many behavioral change theories identify internal barriers for change. With theoretical case studies, these theories are examined within the context of adapted physical activity to depict how the Self-Efficacy Theory and Self-Determination Theory could be utilized to increase physical activity in individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Healthcare Professional Attitude and Social Support: How Do They Affect the Self-esteem of Physically Disabled People?

Context:

The attitude of healthcare professionals and social supports give big influence toward self-esteem of physically disabled people.

Aims:

To explore how impairments could affect the self-esteem of physically disabled people and how healthcare professionals and social support boost their self-esteem.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted qualitatively whereby face-to-face interviews were conducted among 10 participants with physical disabilities. Participants were recruited from two rehabilitation centres in Kuantan, namely Community-based rehabilitation and rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy of public hospital in Kuantan. Interviews were conducted using the developed interview guide that explored on the disabled peoples’ self-esteem and motivation, feelings toward attitude of the healthcare professionals, and satisfaction toward the physical, services, and social support from the healthcare professionals. Thematic analysis was done to identify the themes emerged from the interview transcripts.

Results:

Five males and five females with age ranging from 31 to 58 years were interviewed. Five are still working or studying post impairments. Participants claimed being low self-esteem resulted from negative perception from the society, issue of rejection, being discriminated, and difficulty in getting support from the society. Most of the participants asserted that they gained their motivation and self-esteem due to the continuous support from various groups, such as their spouses, family members, colleagues, employers, and healthcare professionals.

Conclusions:

Despite heavy workload and stressful working environment, positive attitude showed by the healthcare professionals is highly praised. Hence, this will indirectly improve the self-esteem, motivation, and rehabilitation progress of physically disabled people.