Nosek Margaret A, Hughes Rosemary B, Howland Carol A, Young Mary Ellen, Mullen Patricia Dolan, Shelton Margarette L
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Center for Research on Women with Disabilities, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77046, USA.
Fam Community Health. 2004 Jan-Mar;27(1):6-21. doi: 10.1097/00003727-200401000-00003.
Researchers used qualitative research methods to explore determinants of and barriers to the health of women with physical disabilities. Semistructured, open-ended interviews were conducted with one focus group (n=9) and 9 individual women with various physical disabilities.
(1) defined physical health as a correlate of functional capacity; (2) noted the importance of a positive mental state; (3) recognized the effect of having or lacking social support; (4) described the role of health behaviors in health promotion, as adapted to their functional limitations; and (5) described problems with their medical practitioners' lack of knowledge. Barriers included certain disability characteristics, stress, inadequate social support, societal attitudes, and lack of resources.
