Analysis of personal, environmental, and occupational factors affecting the activity performance of disabled drivers

Abstract

Objective: This study was planned to analyse environmental, personal and occupational factors on disabled drivers’ performance who had been driving. Methods: Twenty orthopedically (group II) and 20 neurologically disabled (group I) people were included in the study. Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA), trail making test, rapid pace walk test and alternate foot tap test, The Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF-SF) and semi-structured interview methods were used for assessments. Results: Group I included 10 women and 10 men with mean age 33.9±12.05 years; group II included 19 men and 1 woman with mean age 36.5±12.45 years. Group I had not been able to comply with pre-driving test norms that needed for driving competency, controversially group II had proficient scores related to driving. Visio-motor organisation and thinking operations sub-scales of LOTCA were significantly lower than base scores (p<0.05) in group I. both groups defined barriers in CHIEF-SF. Conclusion: Our study showed driving for our participant was an important activity. But lack of rehabilitation services and laws for driving might effect driving participation thus social participation. It is important to enabling driving rehabilitation services, community awareness of driving, law-maker awareness to enhance disabled people’s activity performance and participation.