Asian Pacific Island Nursing Journal · Published 2025-10-23 · DOI 10.2196/79040
Abstract BackgroundPersons with disabilities in rural northern Thailand face significant challenges in accessing appropriate support, particularly in Chiang Mai’s rural community, where limited infrastructure and socioeconomic barriers hinder their independence. Home adaptations (HAs) and assistive products (APs) play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and quality of life; however, perspectives on their use remain underexplored. ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the views of persons with disabilities with and without experience of using HAs and APs, focusing on their perceptions of the environmental conditions, safety, benefits, and barriers. MethodsA comparative cross-sectional survey was conducted among persons with disabilities living in rural communities of the Doilor Subdistrict, Chiang Mai. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U ResultsIn 96 participants, 84 completed the questionnaire (48 without and 36 with experience using HAs and APs). Most individuals without HAs and APs were dissatisfied with their living conditions (36/48, 75%) and felt unsafe at home (33/48, 69%), whereas experienced users reported higher satisfaction (21/36, 58%) and safety confidence (25/36, 69%). While those without HAs and APs believed these adaptations could enhance their engagement at home, 75% (27/36) of experienced users reported that they had improved their participation skills. Significant differences were found between groups in perspectives on home conditions, living environment, and APs (PPPP ConclusionsThe study indicates that persons with disabilities face various problems. Both with and without experience of HAs and APs need to enhance their home modification and support to bridge the gaps in accessibility and practical solutions to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities in rural communities. This study recommends that policymakers should focus on increasing funding, improving service delivery, and enhancing awareness programs to support individuals in need. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of HAs on quality of life and independence.
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