Understanding factors influencing people with disabilities’ participation in sports and cultural activities

Abstract

Background Improving people with disabilities’ participation in sports and cultural activities benefits their physical and mental health. However, only a few studies have examined the factors that influence participation systematically. Methods Using the survey data gathered from 4,319 disabled people living in a district in Wuhan, China, this study explored the impacts of sports and cultural activity participation in terms of individual physiological characteristics, socioeconomic factors, and built environmental features. The sports and cultural facility supply and the walkability index of their community environment were calculated to assess built environment features. Binary logistic regression models were also used to investigate the influence of the aforementioned variables. Results There is a significant positive correlation between sports and cultural activity participation and education (OR = 3.44, p < 0.01), employment status (OR = 2.04, p < 0.01), as well as the number of cultural facilities (OR = 1.33, p < 0.01) in the neighborhood area. No significant association was found between the inclination to participate frequently and individual psychological factors. Conclusion Regarding people with disabilities’ participation in sports and cultural activities, socioeconomic and built environment factors are more influential than individual psychological ones. The findings can give ideas for identifying targeted and comprehensive interventions to promote a healthy lifestyle for people with disabilities.

Empowerment and social inclusion through Para sports: a qualitative study on women with physical impairments in Saudi Arabia

“…Differentiating between being introduced to sports and learning values through sports provides a deeper understanding of why people engage in sports. This socialisation process is influenced by a combination of external factors such as location, culture, and available sporting opportunities, as well as internal factors including self-perception, life stage, learning processes, perception, motivation, attitude, and physical traits ( Mullin et al, 2000 ; Ruddell and Shinew, 2006 ; Seal, 2012 ; Sales and Misener, 2021 ; Alhumaid et al, 2022 ; Chen et al, 2024 ).…”

“…This includes not only physical accessibility but also the provision of adaptive equipment and knowledgeable coaches who understand the nuances of training women athletes with physical impairment. Empowering women with physical impairments in Para sports goes beyond merely providing opportunities; it involves creating an inclusive ecosystem that celebrates diversity, recognizes individual capabilities, and promotes a culture of equality ( Nagata, 2008 ; Chen et al, 2024 ). This study supports the study by Olenik et al (1995) that identified the underrepresentation of women in Para sports, both as athletes and in administrative roles, remains a significant barrier to raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by women athletes with physcal impairments.…”

“…In addition, special attention should be placed on providing a women-friendly environment, such as designated women-only facilities and training arrangements. By actively addressing these challenges and promoting inclusivity, we can create a more equitable and empowering environment where women with disabilities can fully embrace the transformative power of sports, fostering their physical well-being, confidence, and sense of belonging in society ( DePauw, 2000 ; Chen et al, 2024 ).…”