Examining the difficulties experienced by individuals with physical orthopedic disabilities and their quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic

This descriptive study was conducted to examine the difficulties and quality of life experienced by individuals with physical/orthopedic disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research data was applied to 140 individuals with physical/orthopedic disabilities, aged 18-64, who agreed to participate in the research, affiliated with the Adıyaman Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services in Adıyaman province, between September 2023 and January 2024. "Disabled Individuals Introductory Information Form" and the Turkish version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL) module developed for physically/orthopedically disabled individuals, WHOQOL-DIS and Disability Module Quality of Life Measurement Tool for Physically Disabled Individuals, were used to collect the data. During the COVID-19 period, when it is examined whether the weekly outing times of individuals with physical/orthopedic disabilities differ significantly depending on the COVID-19 infection status and recovery type, the ability to meet their needs without assistance, and the use of supportive materials for independent movement; It was observed that individuals infected with COVID-19 and recovered from COVID-19 with outpatient or inpatient treatment spent significantly more time outdoors (p<0.05). Physically/orthopedically disabled individuals have concerns about not having or very few visits from friends during the COVID-19 period, feeling of loneliness and fear of death, having hygiene problems including the death of relatives or friends, wearing a mask, not being able to go out, fear of getting seriously ill and being hospitalized. and they experienced difficulties. In our study, it was found that the quality of life of the participants who met their needs without help and did not use supportive materials for independent movement was better (p<0.05). In the study, it was determined that the levels of social relations were better in the participants who were not born disabled but were later disabled and who were members of any disability association (p<0.05). It was determined that the quality of life and social relations of the participants who were not infected with COVID-19 were at a better level (p <0.05). In order to find effective solutions to the difficulties faced by physically/orthopedically disabled individuals during the pandemic process, it is recommended to adopt an integrated approach in areas such as health, economy, social support and employment.