Work Related Quality of Life and its Associated Factors among the Persons with Disabilities Following Vocational Rehabilitation: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Persons with disabilities represent a significant portion of the global population, facing numerous challenges in accessing education, job skills, employment, health, and overall quality of life. In Bangladesh, persons with disabilities are often marginalized, with limited access to vocational opportunities and inclusive work environments. Work-Related Quality of Life (WRQoL) is a crucial measure that reflects both personal well-being and job satisfaction, particularly among persons with disabilities who have undergone vocational rehabilitation. Aim: This study aims to assess the overall status of WRQoL and its associated factors among persons with disabilities following vocational rehabilitation in Bangladesh. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted by using a face-to-face survey with 262 persons with disabilities in Bangladesh through the WRQoL scale and socio-demographic questionnaire. Data were collected from participants who engaged in paid jobs after vocational training from CRP. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software, focusing on the associations between WRQoL and demographic variables. Results: The study showed that the majority of participants were aged between 25 and 44 years (61.4%), with physical disabilities being the most common (71%). Most participants reported higher overall WRQoL (75.6%), with JCS (85.1%) and WCS (75.6%) showing the highest satisfaction levels. Significant factors influencing WRQoL included education level, caregiving responsibilities, and type of disability. Most of the participants worked full-time (98.5%), and lower-income (75.2%) groups reported reduced WRQoL. Participants with higher education levels and those caring for elderly relatives reported better WRQoL. High stress levels at work negatively impacted WRQoL, besides this 52.7% of participants reported lower QoWL in the stress at work domain. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve the WRQoL of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. While most participants reported higher WRQoL, few areas such as stress at work and general well-being require attention. Future initiatives should focus on creating supportive work environments, enhancing access to education, and implementing policies to improve the employment conditions for persons with disabilities. These findings will guide policymakers and stakeholders in developing inclusive strategies for workforce participation and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Bangladesh. Keywords: Work-Related Quality of Life, Persons with Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation, Employment, Bangladesh.