This study was performed to investigate the Life Satisfaction (LS) of individuals with disabling conditions, especially focusing the relationship among LS, physical and functional limitations, economic circumstances, and psychosocial factors. Data were collected by a personal or telephone interview and a letter from 164 individuals of working age who had visited the department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guro Hospital for registration of disability to Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korea.
Life satisfaction was studied by 5-score Likert scale and Reintegration to Normal Living (RNL) index of 11 questions, 8 functional and 3 perceptual items.
The mean score of Likert scale about LS was 3.67±1.17 before disabled and 2.21±1.02 in current state. Life Satisfaction and quality of life were found to be related to the age of respondants, onset age of disability, marital status, education level, severity of condition, and employment status. Life satisfaction was also dependent upon perceived health status by self, number of combined diseases, and self esteem. And Likert score was correlated significantly with RNL index and Beck Depression Inventory score.
