Purpose

This study aims to explore the level of independence among persons with disabilities (PWDs) towards their use of public buildings’ facilities, as well as assess the anxiety and relevant challenges regarding such use.

Design/methodology/approach

In a cross-sectional survey design, 91 consenting PWDs were recruited via purposive sampling at diverse locations and invited to complete self-report questionnaires on their use of public buildings’ facilities.

Findings

Only 19 PWDs (20.9%) were able to independently use such facilities. The participants’ level of anxiety, observed to be mostly severe (41.7%), was significantly associated with sex and affected body region (p < 0.05). Most PWDs identified “lack of amenities” (85.7%), “inconvenience” (78%) and “safety issues” (59.4%) as relevant challenges towards the use of public buildings’ facilities.

Research limitations/implications

This research emphasises the urgent need to universally improve PWDs’ level of independence towards the use of public buildings’ facilities alongside eradicating anxiety and challenges experienced towards such use. Accessibility ought to be promoted among PWDs, with specific attention given to women and those affected in multiple body regions; as such populations are prone to experiencing substantial anxiety. This approach should entail the provision of barrier-free facilities as well as ensuring their safe and convenient use by PWDs.

Originality/value

This study sought and provided key feedback from PWDs on the current built environment, which ought to be considered by relevant stakeholders to improve accessibility, promote well-being and contribute towards meeting the global goals of reducing inequality and making cities/communities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

中文翻译：

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残疾人使用公共建筑设施的独立程度、焦虑程度和相关挑战

目的

本研究旨在探讨残疾人（PWD）使用公共建筑设施的独立程度，并评估有关使用公共建筑设施的焦虑和相关挑战。

设计/方法论/途径

在一项横断面调查设计中，通过在不同地点进行有目的抽样，招募了 91 名同意的残疾人，并邀请他们填写有关其使用公共建筑设施的自我报告调查问卷。

发现

只有 19 名残疾人士（20.9%）能够独立使用此类设施。据观察，参与者的焦虑水平大多为严重（41.7%），与性别和受影响的身体部位显着相关（p < 0.05）。大多数残疾人士认为“缺乏便利设施”（85.7%）、“不便”（78%）和“安全问题”（59.4%）是使用公共建筑设施的相关挑战。

研究局限性/影响

这项研究强调，迫切需要普遍提高残疾人对使用公共建筑设施的独立程度，同时消除他们在使用公共建筑设施时遇到的焦虑和挑战。应促进残疾人士的无障碍环境，特别关注妇女和身体多个部位受影响的人；因为这些人群很容易经历严重的焦虑。这种方法应包括提供无障碍设施并确保残疾人士安全、方便地使用这些设施。

原创性/价值

这项研究寻求并提供了残疾人对当前建筑环境的关键反馈，相关利益攸关方应考虑这些反馈，以改善可达性，促进福祉，并有助于实现减少不平等和使城市/社区具有包容性、安全性和包容性的全球目标。具有弹性和可持续性。