Measuring the Impact of Rehabilitation Services on the Quality of Life of Disabled People in Cambodia

Authors: Powell, Bruce A.¹; Mercer, Stewart W.²; Harte, Carson¹

Source: Disasters, Volume 26, Number 2, June 2002 , pp. 175-191(17)

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Abstract:

The present study aimed to measure the quality of life (QOL) of disabled people in Cambodia and the impact of rehabilitation services. The categories of services were: physical rehabilitation (prosthetics/orthotics with physiotherapy); community-based rehabilitation; and (3) labour market assistance. The 164 respondents were from a range of urban and rural settings. The results suggest that QOL was substantially lower among disabled Cambodians who had received no rehabilitation services compared to those who had received one of the three categories of rehabilitation services. QOL scores tended to be highest, however, among those who had received a combination of all three services. The results also highlighted the vulnerability of certain sub-groups who may need specific provision in planning, policy-making and service delivery. The present study suggests that an integrated approach may be the best way to maximise the impact of individual rehabilitation services in Cambodia.

Keywords: disability; rehabilitation; Cambodia; Quality of Life measurement

Document Type: Original article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-7717.00199

Affiliations: 1: Cambodia Trust, 2: University of Glasgow

Publication date: 2002-06-01