PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PEOPLE WITH CONGENITAL AND ACQUIRED PHYSICALLY DISABILITIES
Keywords:
Congenital and Acquired physical disabilities, Psychological distress, Quality of life, Depression, Anxiety, StressAbstract
Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the difference in the
levels of psychological distress and quality of life among people with congenital
and acquired physical disabilities.
Design of the Study: Cross-sectional research design.
Place and Duration of Study: Data was collected from September 2023 to
January 2024, at the University of Peshawar.
Sample and Method: The sample consisted of individuals with physical
disabilities (N=80) with the age range between 18-65 years (X=35.11, SD=
14.49) were selected through purposive sampling technique from the OPDs of
various health care setups dealing with physical disabilities. DASS-21 and WHO
Quality of Life Scale were used as study tools.
Results and Conclusion: The finding indicated that people with congenital
physical impairment experienced lower levels of stress and depression as well as
higher quality of life than those who acquired them; however, no significant
difference was found in the score of anxiety of both groups. The findings reveals
the psychological challenges encountered by people having physical limitations,
and the need for specialized mental-health treatments and rehabilitation, as well
as role of social support to improve coping mechanisms and overall quality of
life.
