Comparison of the Attitudes Toward and Contact with Disabled Person among Health Care Professionals, Lay Persons, and Disabled Persons

Kim, Keumsoon; Park, Yeon Hwan; Lee, Bum Suk; Kim, Jeong Yi

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to compare the attitudes toward and contact with people with disabilities among health care professional, lay persons, and disabled persons. METHOD: Using 270 subjects (141 health care professionals, 79 lay persons, and 50 disabled persons), the self report or face-to-face interview were conducted from April to October in 2007. Attitudes and contacts were assessed respectively using the Attitude Towards Disabled Person scale and the Contact with Disabled Persons.
RESULTS
Overall attitude scores of the subjects in groups of health care professionals, lay persons, and disabled persons were lower than those of individuals in the corresponding groups in other countries (F=3.232, p=.031). Health care professionals and lay persons had more negative attitudes towards disabled persons than those of disabled persons. Scores of the Contact with Disabled Persons were also lower in all three groups, as compared to those of the corresponding groups from other countries. Disabled persons had significantly more contact experiences with disabled persons than individuals in other two groups.
CONCLUSION
Health care professionals as well as lay persons and disabled persons have negative attitudes toward people with disabilities. It is needed that the modification of educational curriculums in nursing school for promoting more positive attitudes toward people with disabilities.