Physical activity behaviour and use of assistive mobility devices as predictors of health-related quality of life among Kenyan learners with physical disabilities
Keywords:
Assistive mobility devices, health-related quality of life, learners with disabilities, physical activity, school-based interventionsAbstract
Aim: Physical activity (PA) is essential for the health and well-being of children and youth with physical disabilities. However, many Kenyan learners with disabilities may not be meeting recommended PA guidelines, potentially compromising their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study assessed PA behavior, HRQoL, and use of assistive mobility devices (AMDs). Further, it analysed the relationship and the influence of PA and use of AMDs on the HRQoL of Kenyan secondary school learners with physical disabilities. Method: Using a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design, data were collected from 650 learners across seven special secondary schools. PA behavior, HRQoL, and AMD satisfaction were measured using validated instruments: the Youth Activity Profile (YAP), Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™), and the Assistive Device User Satisfaction tool. Results: Results showed that 43.9% of learners used an AMD, with wheelchairs being the most common. PA frequency was higher during out-of-school sessions (mean 2.96, SD 0.046) compared to school-time (mean 2.60, SD 0.043), and learners participated more in PA than sedentary behaviors. A moderately high HRQoL score was reported and positively correlated with school-based PA frequency (rs = 0.211, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate that increased participation in school-based PA and appropriate use of AMDs are associated with improved HRQoL among learners with physical disabilities, underscoring the potential of schools as key venues for promoting health and wellness in this population. The results have implications on the design of school-based PA and the need for policy infrastrucure which can ensure that learners access appropriate AMDs in order to promote HRQoL.
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