Objective
To determine the factors influencing the life satisfaction of people with physical disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering demographics, disability-related characteristics, health behaviors, and psychosocial characteristics.
Methods
We used cross-sectional data from 301 respondents of the 2021/2022 survey of the Korean Health Cohort Study for People with Physical Disabilities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the research subjects’ characteristics, and chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression were used to identify the determinants of life satisfaction.
Results
Among socio demographic variables, occupation had a strong association with life satisfaction. Significant health behavior variables included daily regular meals, weight control effort, and chronic pain. All psychosocial characteristics (perceived stress, depression, suicidal ideation, cognitive function assessment, subjective health status, family satisfaction, income satisfaction) were strongly associated with life satisfaction. Results of the analysis of factors affecting life satisfaction showed that unemployment, lack of regular exercise, elevated stress, suicidal thoughts, and dissatisfaction with family contributed to increased life dissatisfaction.
Conclusion
Economic support through job creation that considers the specific characteristics of people with disabilities, and social access through community integration services that encourage participation in social activities, should be prioritized.

Citations

• Self-stigma and depression among community-dwelling adults with physical disabilities in China: the chain mediating role of social participation and self-esteem
  Qianqian Hu, Jingjing Gong, Aixiang Li, Rui Wang, Hui Chen
  Frontiers in Psychology.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• The positive influence of accessibility and visitation frequency to places on social and neighborhood satisfaction for individuals living with disabilities
  Motahareh Abrishami, Brent C. Chamberlain, Keunhyun Park, Keith Christensen
  Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives.2026; 37: 101972.     CrossRef
• Impact of Disability Acceptance on Life Satisfaction among Older Adults with Disabilities: A Longitudinal Comparative Study of the Pre-pandemic (2018–2019) and Pandemic Periods (2020–2022)
  Heesoo Kim, Sung Rae Shin
  Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2025; 37(4): 515.     CrossRef