Abstract
This study aimed to 1) investigate effects of assistive devices on quality of life (QOL) and functional
outcomes in disabled people, and 2) quantify factors affecting access to devices. From March to May 2014,
an observational study was carried out in mobility impaired individuals of ages 15 to 65 years old, who
need to use assistive devices i.e. wheelchair, handicap tricycle and prosthesis leg in 10 provinces throughout
Thailand. The sample was classified into two groups: 1) access group; and 2) without access group.
Individuals that have the assistive device, use it regularly and are satisfied with their device were classified
into the “access group” while those who did not meet the aforementioned criteria were classified into the “without access group“. World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) - BREF was used to
elicit QOL while selected International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) codes
were used to measure functional outcomes. This study included a total of 308 individuals in the “access
group“ and 295 individuals in the “without access group“. Compared to those who without access,
disabled people with access had significantly better QOL in all dimensions except for the environment
dimension. Additionally, the “access group“ showed a significantly higher level of functioning than the
“without access group” in all functions with exception to the education. Factors affecting access to assistive
devices were age, health scheme, registrations for disabled people, occupation, and care from family. In
conclusion, assistive devices enhance both QOL and function in disabled population; hence, increase
access to these technologies is crucial. Furthermore, health scheme and disabled registration are government-
side factors influencing access to assistive devices.
