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Protective Role of Social Networks for the Well-Being of Persons with Disabilities: Results from a State-Wide Cross-Sectional Survey in Kerala, India

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  • Saju Madavanakadu Devassy

    (Department of Social Work, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Rajagiri P.O., Kalamassery, Kochi 683 104, India
    Rajagiri International Centre for Consortium Research in Social Care, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kochi 683 104, India
    Department of Social Work, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia)

  • Lorane Scaria

    (Department of Social Work, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Rajagiri P.O., Kalamassery, Kochi 683 104, India
    Rajagiri International Centre for Consortium Research in Social Care, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kochi 683 104, India)

  • Shilpa V. Yohannan

    (Department of Social Work, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Rajagiri P.O., Kalamassery, Kochi 683 104, India
    Rajagiri Research Institute, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kochi 683 104, India)

  • Sunirose Ishnassery Pathrose

    (Department of Social Work, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Rajagiri P.O., Kalamassery, Kochi 683 104, India
    Rajagiri Research Institute, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kochi 683 104, India)

Abstract

The current study presents the findings from a cross-sectional survey on social factors associated with the well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kerala, India. We conducted a community-based survey across three geographical zones, North, Central, and South of Kerala state, between April and September 2021. We randomly selected two districts from each zone using a stratified sample method, followed by one local self-government from each of these six districts. Community health professionals identified individuals with disabilities, and researchers collected information on their social networks, service accessibility, well-being, and mental health. Overall, 244 (54.2%) participants had a physical disability, while 107 (23.78%) had an intellectual disability. The mean well-being score was 12.9 (S.D = 4.9, range = 5–20). Overall, 216 (48%) had poor social networks, 247 (55%) had issues regarding service accessibility, and 147 (33%) had depressive symptoms. Among the PWDs with issues with service access, 55% had limited social networks. A regression analysis revealed that social networks (b = 2.30, p = 0.000) and service accessibility (b = −2.09, p = 0.000) were associated with well-being. Social networks are more important than financial assistance because they facilitate better access to psycho-socioeconomic resources, a prerequisite for well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Saju Madavanakadu Devassy & Lorane Scaria & Shilpa V. Yohannan & Sunirose Ishnassery Pathrose, 2023. "Protective Role of Social Networks for the Well-Being of Persons with Disabilities: Results from a State-Wide Cross-Sectional Survey in Kerala, India," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-11, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4213-:d:1081627
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    References listed on IDEAS

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