Subjective quality of life of Slovak men with physical disabilities: An age categories differences

Abstract

The objective of the study was to analyze and compare the subjective quality of life (S-QOL) of Slovak men with physical disabilities through satisfaction with the quality of life domains (QOLDs) and the overall quality of life (QOL) assessment. The sample comprised of men with physical disabilities (n = 132), divided into 4 age categories: 19–29 yrs. (n = 59); 30–44 yrs. (n = 26); 45–59 yrs. (n = 24) and over 60 yrs. (n = 23). The Subjective Quality of Life Analysis (S-QUA-L-A) and The World Health Organisation Quality of Life User Manual (WHOQOL User Manual) were used as primary research methods. The findings of this study confirm differences in S-QOL in one QOLD as well as in the overall QOL between two from four age categories of men with physical disabilities. The 19–29 yrs. old men were significantly more satisfied in their lives with the Physical health domains and declared significantly higher overall QOL compare to 45–59 yrs. men. There were no significant differences found in S-QOL between other pair comparisons of the age categories of men with physical disabilities. The highest satisfaction in all age categories of men was declared by the domains of Social relation and Physical health and the highest dissatisfaction by the Psychological health and Environment domains. It is necessary to continue this line of this research field with stress on exploring the ways of psychological health increase as an integral part of S-QOL in men with physical disabilities. Future research should focus on life indicators that saturate the Environment domain, which should be positively affected in mens’ life.