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American International Journal of Social Science Research 

Vol. 1, No. 1; 2017 

Published by Centre for Research on Islamic Banking & Finance and Business 

 

1 
 

 

 ‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in 

Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
 

Mir Hasan Shakil Mahmud1 

Md. Abul Kalam Azad2 

 

1 Occupational Therapy Department, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Centre for the Rehabilitation of the 

Paralysed, Chapain, Savar, Dhaka-1343, Bangladesh 

2 Institutes of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh 

Correspondence: Occupational Therapy Department, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Centre for the 

Rehabilitation of the Paralysed, Chapain, Savar, Dhaka-1343, Bangladesh, Tel: +8801717-166240, 
+8801682-027963, E-mail: shakilcrp@yahoo.com 

 

Received: June 21, 2017        Accepted: July 05, 2017      Online Published: July 15, 2017 

 

 

Abstract 

The present study is on “Quality of Life” of person with disabilities living in flood prone areas of Bangladesh. 

In this aspect the specific objectives have been designed to determine the effects of disaster on physical and 

psychological health and social relationship between disabilities and community. The study has also assessed 

the adaptive capacity of persons with disabilities during and post-disaster period and find out the challenges 

faced by the persons with disabilities during disaster and post disaster that undermining their quality of life.In 

the determination of quality of life of PWDs in the selected flood prone area in Bangladesh a mixed method 

incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research approaches was used to conduct this study by using the 

tools of observation, case study, and face to face semi structured interview, with PWDs in Northern district of 

Gaibandha. The study shows that out of 110 respondent, nearly 63 per cent required assistance, while over 38 

per cent respondent are required partial assistance, and 20 percent are required supervision. The study reveals 

that more than 9 per cent of the respondents maintains very poor quality of life while 20 per cent are 

maintaining poor quality of life, nearly 34 per cent respondents are identified their life neither poor or nor good 

in selected area.  

 

Keywords: Quality of Life, Person with Disabilities, Bangladesh.   

 

1. Introduction 

Bangladesh is a country with 164.7 million people and is listed as the 7th most populated and one of the poorest 

countries in the region. In addition, a structural change is changes in rural Bangladesh have encouraged rapid 

economic migration with the related complexities of rising urban poverty. The population is working in high 

risk urban areas for their livelihood (Das, 2011).  The frequency and magnitude of disasters in Bangladesh 

have increased over the last decades. Between 1991 and 2000 about 93 major disasters were recorded in 

Bangladesh (World Bank, 2010). Geographical location, terrain, dense river networks, and monsoon climate  



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

Mir Hasan Shakil Mahmud & Md. Abul Kalam Azad  

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expose the country to a high level of physical disaster risk and socioeconomic conditions have created a high 

vulnerability of communities to natural disasters (MoFDM, 2006). Floods, river bank erosion, cyclones, 

tornadoes, cold waves, arsenic contamination in ground water, water logging, and salinity intrusion have 

frequently occurred. For these disasters, climate change has been identified as one of the main causes. But the 

nature, timing, severity, and extent of hazards are not the same in all cases (Nasreen, 2010 &Azad et al., 2013). 

Because of frequent floods, Bangladesh is projected as the sixth most flood-prone country in the world (UNDP, 

2004). It is also evident from several studies (Nasreen, 1998, DMB, 2008; Kumbetoglu&User, 2010 &Azad et 

al., 2013) that floods are the most significant natural hazard causing immense suffering to a large number of 

people and damage to properties in Bangladesh. 

2. Background of the Research 

Bangladesh is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world due to unique features such as seismic 

position, vast network of rivers and channels, an enormous discharge of water heavily laden with sediment, a 

large number of Islands in between the channels, a shallow northern Bay of Bengal and funneling to the coastal 

area of Bangladesh and strong tidal and wind action which make the country more vulnerable to natural 

disasters. In the recent decades, the county has already experienced with devastating hazards including flooding, 

earthquakes, river bank erosion, cold wave, tornados, tidal surges and cyclones (SOD, 2010). Like natural 

factors, human induced hazards has got a clear concentration in disaster studies due to increasing frequent 

caused by deforestation, environmental degradation, exploitation of natural resources, frequent out breaks of 

fires which have further affected the socio-economic conditions. These catastrophic events affect all aspects 

spectrum in our society and result in a societal crisis. The whole entity of the society like individuals, families, 

communities, and institutions become disabled. There are limited in their ability to perform normal daily 

activities, restricted by environmental barriers, prohibited from participating in usual social roles, threatened by 

personal and financial losses, and subject to a variety of psychological reactions, including fear, helplessness, 

and loss of confidence (Scaffa, 2003). The diverse group of people like children, women, elderly and people 

with disabilities has suffered more rather than others. Sullivan andHäkkinen (2006) mentioned that the special 

needs people are at more risk due to their physical conditions and they are more vulnerable to disasters.  The 

Convention on the Right of the Person with Disabilities (2006)notes that persons with disabilities include those 

who have physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may 

hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. Disability affects physical 

health, social relationship of people, life in the realms of family, friends, and neighbors, psychological state, and 

level of independence. However, the people with disabilities require special attention due to their different 

limitations such as physical, cognition, social and environmental. According to World Report on Disability 

(2011) 15% of the world’s population have disabilities. Persons with disabilities are more likely to be among the 

poorest of the poor (Groce et al., 2011). Disability and Extreme Poverty: Recommendations from Practitioners 

in Bangladesh (2015) show that surveys from Bangladesh range between 1 and 16% of the population having a 

disability. The Household Income and Expenditure Survey of 2010 shows that 9.1% of the population is 

disabled. Poor people are more likely to have one or more disabilities and women are 37% more likely than men 

to have a disability (Tareque et al., 2014). 

3. Research Objectives 

 To find out the quality of life of Person with Disabilities (PWDs) in the selected flood prone area in 

Bangladesh. 



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

Mir Hasan Shakil Mahmud & Md. Abul Kalam Azad  

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 To determine the effects of disaster on physical and psychological health of persons with disabilities.  

 To identify the effects of disaster on social relationship between disabilities and community. 

 To assess the adaptive capacity of persons with disabilities during and post-disaster period. 

 To find out the challenges faced by the persons with disabilities during disaster and post disaster that 

undermines their quality of life.  

4. Research Methodology 

4.1 Research Design 

A mixed method incorporation both qualitative and quantitative research design have been followed for 

conducting the study, as a combined method is a “legitimate inquiry approach” which provides the sound ideas 

and knowledge about the population, subject matter and research questions of a study. The triangular method 

also helps researchers explain how one variable affect another for studying the researcher problem (Creswell, 

2008). This methodology was chosen to fulfill the aim of the study as an effective way to collect data.According 

to Jick (1979) argues that a mixed methods approach of research with the combination of semi structured 

interview and survey provide a rich and comprehensive result of a research. The purpose of the research is to 

find out the quality of life of person with disabilities in the selected flood prone area in Bangladesh. 

4.2 Sample  

The study was conducted at Gaibandha district in Bangladesh. The researchers selected Gaibandha district of 

Saghatta, Kanchipara, kachua and Gazaria unions. For quantitative study 110 PWDs were interviewed following 

sample survey tool while for qualitative study 5 case studies and 5 Key Informant Interviews were carried out to 

explore the nature of vulnerabilities and living standard of the PWDs by using purposive sampling.  

4.3 Data Collection  

A developed structured and semi structure questionnaire was used after reviewing literature for asking to the 

respondents. Observation for verifying person with disabilities report on disaster conditions was done by 

researchers using observation checklist and it was recorded elaborately. The observation notes were completed 

over long period of time according to the disaster complexity of challenges and presence of potential risk and 

vulnerabilities for person with disabilities in the selected area. Semi-structured and Key Informant Interview 

(KII) was used for this study. The researchers also used qualitative methodology and asked pre-set, open-ended 

questions addressing a variety of issues in relation to adjustment with disaster. It is useful because this technique 

ensures that the researcher obtained all information required, while at the same time gives the respondents 

freedom to respond and illustrate concepts. 

5. Data Analysis  

Data was analyzed case study descriptive, KII descriptive format and with the software named IBM Statistical 

Package for Social Science (SPSS) Statistics version 20.0. The variables were labeled in a list and a researcher 

was establishing a computer based data record file. And after calculation; data was presented by using bar graph, 

pie chart and table by using Microsoft Office Excel 2010. 

5.1 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents 

5.1.1 Age Group 

The study shows that major numbers of PWDs are young. Disasters are not only effect on any specific groups 

all people are also victim to disasters. The pie chart 07 shows, out of 110 respondents a significant number of 

PWDs 51 per cent were in the young adult group ranging from 19 to 35 years while 37 per cent respondents  



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

Mir Hasan Shakil Mahmud & Md. Abul Kalam Azad  

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were in the group of adult and their age range was 36 to 50 year.While 12 per cent of the respondents were more 

than 50 years old. This study points out that large number of adult are living with disabilities. Young adult are 

more vulnerable for any types of disability. 

 

Figure: Age of the respondents 

 

5.1.2 Sex of the Respondents 

The study has counted both males and females according to subject matter of study. The figure shows thatout of 

110 respondents 63 per cent are males and 37 per cent are females. The numbers of males’ respondents are 

higher than females. It is observedthose females are getting less facilities and opportunity in our Bangladeshi 

socio-cultural aspect. 

 

Figure: Sex of the respondents 

 

5.1.3 Level of Education of the Respondents  

Education is an important component for improving the respondents the quality of life standard. Education may 

have impacted on all aspect of human life. The table shows, higher rate of PWDs (more than 36 per cent) have 

only primary education. But this study mention that significant number of respondent near 42 per cent were 

illiterate while small number of respondents (more than 5 per cent) have high school level of education.  

Table: Level of education of the respondents 

 Frequency  Per cent  

Illiterate 46 41.8 

Primary school 40 36.4 

High school 06 5.5 

SSC 08 7.3 



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

Mir Hasan Shakil Mahmud & Md. Abul Kalam Azad  

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HSC 08 7.3 

Graduation 02 1.8 

 

5.1.4 Types of Disability of the Respondents  

Disability depends on physical, cognitive and social development of individual person. Disability can affect all 

aspect human life. Person with disability (PWDs) vulnerability depends on the during disaster period. The 

table-4 indicates the peak number of respondents have only physical disability more than 47 per cent while more 

than 16 per cent have disability in hearing and speech. Moreover, 12 per cent have mental disability, 

approximately 11 per cent with visual disability and more than 17 per cent have intellectual disability. Multiple 

types of disability may affect the capacity of PWDs. It is evident that different types of disability make then 

more vulnerable.  

Table: Types of disability of the respondents 

Type of disability Frequency (n=110) Per cent (%) 

Physical disability 52 47.3 

Mental disability 09 8.2 

Hearing and speech disability 18 16.4 

Visual disability 12 10.9 

Intellectual disability 19 17.3 

5.1.5 Seeking Helps for Transportation and Changing Position During Disaster Period 

Transportation is an important issue for functional independence. PWDs have different limitation due to their 

physical disability. The table indicates that the person with disabilities require necessities help for transportation 

and require assistance for changing the position during disaster period. The highest number of respondent nearly 

63 per cent required assistance out of 110 respondents while over 37 per cent respondents don’t seek any 

assistance during disaster period. PWDs are requiring different types of assistance during disaster and post 

disaster period. 

Table: Percentage of PWDs seeking help for transportation and changing position 

Assistance Required Frequency  Per cent  

Yes 69 62.7 

No 41 37.3 

The figure shows that out of 110 over 38 per cent respondents are required partial assistance while around 11 

per cent are not sure to require assistance, 20 percent require supervision and 13.6 per cent are fully dependent 

on the assistance of family, carer and community. Beside this, more than 17 per cent people with disabilities are 

fully independent for transportation and changing the position during disaster period. 



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

Mir Hasan Shakil Mahmud & Md. Abul Kalam Azad  

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Figure: Nature assistances required by PWDs 

 

5.1.6 Income of the Respondents 

The table shows about monthly income of PWDs. It is evident from this study that the male PWDs have more 

income capacity rather than female PWDs. It is found that PWDs have difference range of financial capacity. 

Fifty four (54) per cent female PWDs can able to earn only BDT 3000 while 46 per cent male PWDs has 

monthly income only BDT 3000. This table also shows that approximately 68 per cent male and more than 32 

percent female PWDs have monthly income from BDT 3001 to 6000, whereas approximately 79 per cent male 

and over 22 per cent of female PWDs have monthly income BDT 6001 to 9000. The data indicate that out of 11 

male respondent have BDT 9001-12000 beside this only 01 male respondent have BDT 12000-15000 monthly 

income. The female have less scope for involving income generating activities in rural area rather than urban 

area female.     

Table: Monthly income of PWDs 

Income (BDT) Sex 

Male (%) Female (%) 

0-3,000 46 (23) 54 (27) 

3,001-6,000  67.6 (23) 32 (11) 

6,001-9,000  78.6 (11) 21.4 (03) 

9,001-12,000  100 (11) 0 (0) 

12,000-15,000  100 (01) 0 (0) 

Total 62.7 37.3 

 

5.2 Overall Rate of Quality of Life (QOL) 

QOL depends on the different aspects of physical, psychological, social and environmental. PWDs are living 

with different poor QOL due to their physical and cognitive limitation. The following table identified that 

respondents indicate more than 9 per cent have very poor quality of life while the quality of life 20 per cent are 

poor. Nearly 34 per cent respondents identified neither poor or nor good QOL during in the selected flood prone 

area.  

Table: Overall QOL of PWDs 

 Frequency Per cent  

Very poor 10 9.1 



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

Mir Hasan Shakil Mahmud & Md. Abul Kalam Azad  

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Poor 22 20.0 

Neither poor nor good 37 33.6 

Good 38 34.5 

Very good 03 2.7 

5.3 Satisfaction about Health 

Satisfaction depends on the service getting opportunity and scope of health services. PWDs have limited scope 

health due the different environment barrier, negative attitude and physical problem. The following table reveals 

that most of respondent out of 110 more than 37 per cent neither poor nor good satisfaction about health 

services. There are 20 per cent respondent have poor satisfaction about health. On the other hand, approximately 

6 per cent have very poor satisfaction without health. There are significant number (approximately 35 per cent) 

have good satisfaction about their health. Only approximately 3 per cent respondent are satisfied with their 

present health condition. It is seen that health wellbeing is very essential component for adjustment with the 

catastrophic situations.   

Table: Satisfaction rating about health of PWDs 

 Frequency  Per cent 

Very poor 06 5.5 

Poor 22 20 

Neither poor nor good 41 37.3 

Good 38 34.5 

Very good 03 2.7 

5.3.1 Access to Community and Health Services 

The following table reveals that the access to community and health services is very important to ensure quality 

of life. It is evident from the study the large numbers of respondents (approximately 78 per cent) have access to 

health services and community while around 23 per cent of the respondents do not get any types of community 

and health services during disaster and post disaster situation. 

Table: Access of PWDs to community and health services 

 Frequency  Percent  

Yes 85 77.3 

No 25 22.7 

Total  110 100 

5.3.2 Available Services for PWDs in the Community 

The study shows that PWDs have limited scope of health service in the community area. They are facing lots of 

challenges due to their physical problems and environmental barriers. The PWDs were getting different services 

from their community. The graph indicates that 34 per cent of PWDs are getting general health service. Twenty 

seven (27) per cent of PWDs are taking medical services while about 6 per cent are seeking cardiac service and 

3 per cent are for rehabilitation. The nature is that person with disability also seek other services like maternity, 

community meetings and election opportunity. It is evident that there is major number of respondent did not 

have any opportunity from the community during disaster and post disaster situation. They are deprived from 

the health services due to negative attitudes of the community people and lack of opportunity of health services 

during catastrophic situation. 



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

Mir Hasan Shakil Mahmud & Md. Abul Kalam Azad  

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Figure: Service opportunity for PWDs 

 

5.4 Seeking Health Supports During Disaster and Post Disaster Period  

The table shows that PWDs have require health support approximately 75 per cent (n=82) during disaster and 

post disaster situation. There is significant number of respondent do not require nearly 26 per cent (n=28) any 

health support during disaster and post disaster situation. 

Table: Health support at working place 

 Frequency  Percent 

Yes 82 74.5 

No 28 25.5 

5.5 Extended of Capabilities of Health Support During Disaster and Post Disaster Situation 

Capabilities depend on different source of capacity and resources.  Health capacity is an essential issue to 

minimize the health hazard and vulnerabilities. The following table express that the PWDs require extended of 

capabilities of health support. According to opinions poles out of 69 male respondents, the health support of 

over 17 per cent is neither poor nor good while in accordance with about 36 per cent of female’s health support 

situation is the same. Female are also maintain poor health supporting situation conditions. Accordance with 

over 27 per cent of male and more than more than 35 per cent of female, their health support capabilities are 

poor while nearly 8 per cent of male and approximately 10 per cent of females are facing very poor extend of 

capabilities to health supporting condition respectively. Besides these natures, in terms of age the elderly people 

are living with very poor healthy supporting conditions. Thus, it is evident that elderly PWDs have not enough 

facilities and access to health capabilities to recover from the disaster situation. And they are suffering a lot 

compare to other age cohort and general people. 

Table: Capabilities of health support during disaster and post disaster situation 

 Very poor Poor Neither poor nor 

good 

Good Very good 

Sex      

Male 7.8% (04) 27.5%(14) 17.6% (09) 33.3%(17) 13.7% (07) 

Female 9.7% (03) 35.5%(11) 35.5% (11) 16.1%(05) 3.2% (01) 

Age range      

19-35 4.7% (02) 34.9%(15) 20.9% (09) 27.9%(12) 11.6% (05) 



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

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36-50 9.7% (03) 22.6%(07) 35.5% (11) 25.8%(08) 6.5% (02) 

51-80 25% (02) 37.5%(03) 0.0% (00) 25%(02) 12.5% (01) 

5.5.1 Impacts of Disaster on Social Relation 

Disaster has different impacts on all aspect of human life. There is no exception on human life. The table 

elucidates that according to about 80 per cent of the respondents out of 69, disasters have impacted their social 

life whereas out of 41 females’ respondents approximately 81 per cent notify that social life and relationship 

within community have been greatly affected by disasters over the decades. The rest of the respondents note that 

disaster had no impact upon them. 

Table: Impact of disaster on social relationship 

 Yes No Total  

Male 79.7% 20.3% 100% 

Female 80.5% 19.5% 100% 

 

5.5.2 Interaction of PWDs with Community Member  

Interaction is essential part to know the disaster warning information. Male respondent are more interaction with 

the community rather than female respondent during disaster. The table 27 shows that nearly 77 per cent (n=53) 

male PWDs have interaction with community member. On the other hand, more than 23 per cent (n=16) have 

not any interaction with the community member. The table also identified that approximately 76 (n=31) per cent 

female have some interaction. Beside this more than 24 per cent (n=10) female has not any interaction with the 

community member. Female PWDs are step behind in our society. 

Table: Interaction of PWDs with community member 

 Yes No 

Male 76.8% 23.2% 

Female 75.6% 24.4% 

5.5.3 Methods Followed To Interact With Each Other  

PWDs are using different types of methods during disaster and post disaster situation. The following table notes 

that PWDs are using different types of interaction methods during disaster and post disaster situation. Male 

respondent are using more than 62 per cent verbal communication, 17 per cent non-verbal communication, 13 

per cent sign language and approximately 6 per cent others methods of communication. Beside this female 

respondent are using more than 61 per cent verbal communication, more than 16 per cent non-verbal 

communication, more than 16 per cent sign language and nearly 7 per cent others methods of communication. 

Table: Methods of interaction 

 Verbal Non-verbal Sign language Others  

Male 64.2% (34) 17% (09) 13.2% (07) 5.7% (03) 

Female 61.3% (19) 16.1% (05) 16.1% (05) 6.5% (02) 

5.5.4 Required Supports from the Community 

PWDs have different shorts of limitations. They require essential services from the community area. The bar 

graph (figure-11) indicates that 92.8 per cent male PWDs were requiring support and more than 7 per cent were 

not requiring support from the community. They are also mentioned that 97.6 per cent female respondent 



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

Mir Hasan Shakil Mahmud & Md. Abul Kalam Azad  

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require support from the community people and more than 2 per cent female did not required any support. The 

study identifies that female required more assistance rather than male PWDs. 

 

Figure: Required support from community 

5.5.5 Types of assistances required by PWDs during disaster  

The table-30 predicts that the person with disabilities are seeking different types of assistances which include 

social, transportation, vehicle, economic and mental support. It is observed that nearly 35 per cent of male 

PWDs received social services while females are slightly high which is around 43 per cent out of 41. Besides 

this, it is found that the PWDs have more attention to economic supports. Around 29 per cent of males out of 69 

and 35 percent of females out of 41 seek more economic assistance respectively in comparison with 

transportation, mental and vehicle like, nearly 8 per cent of male respondents and 5 per cent females give less 

importance on mental support. Thus, it is evident that social and economic needs are always essential to survive 

in the society and community supports are always being gotten more concern. 

Table: Types of assistances 

 Social Transportation Vehicle Economic Mental 

Male 34.8% (23) 19.7% (13) 9.1% (06) 28.8% (19) 7.6% (05) 

Female 42.5% (17) 7.5% (03) 10% (04) 35% (14) 5% (02) 

 

5.6 Friends/Family Members of Pwds Cooperating In Case of Emergencies 

Human is a social being. Human can’t live alone. Friendly cooperation is vital for PWDs during catastrophic 

situation. The table shows that approximately 96 per cent male PWDs have cooperative relation with friends. On 

the other hand more than 4 per cent have not any cooperation with friends. The table also identified that nearly 

81 per cent female have cooperation with friends and approximately 20 per cent female has not any cooperation 

with friends. If we can ensure the friendly helping hand for PWDs that will increase the capacity of vulnerable 

group. 

Table: Friends/family members of PWDs cooperating in case of emergencies 

 Yes No Total 

Male 95.7% 4.3% 100% 

Female 80.5% 19.5%  100% 

 

5.6.1 Facing challenges to enjoy freedom in family 

People with disabilities are facing challenges due to mobility problem and inaccessible environment. They are 

fronting lot of challenges due to transportation problem. The following table points out that person with 

disabilities (PWDs) are facing different dimensional challenges to enjoy freedom in their life. It is evident that 

female are facing lot of challenges rather than male respondents.  Female respondents point out which is nearly 



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

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5 per cent very poor to face challenges to enjoy freedom in family while over 10 per cent male respondents are 

facing same situation. On the other, it is evident that nearly 19 per cent males are poor where over 24 per cent 

are same situational condition. According to the age group, elderly respondents are living with better situation 

rather than other age group. 51 to 80 years old which is over 23 per cent very good while 36 to 50 years old 

which is approximately 10 per cent PWDs have good situation to recovery from challenges to enjoy freedom in 

family. Elderly PWDs have better situation to enjoy freedom in family. We need to strengthen family support 

and assistance to minimize challenges to enjoy freedom to recovery from the catastrophic situation.    

Table: Facing challenges to enjoy freedom in family 

 Very poor Poor Neither poor nor 

good 

Good Very good 

Sex      

Male 10.1%(07) 18.8%(13) 40.6%(28) 15.9%(11) 14.5%(10) 

Female 4.9%(02) 24.4%(10) 26.8%(11) 24.4%(10) 19.5%(08) 

Age range      

19-35 8.9%(05) 19.6%(11) 33.9%(19) 17.9%(10) 19.6%(11) 

36-50 9.8%(04) 24.4%(10) 36.6%(15) 19.5%(08) 9.8%(04) 

51-80 0 % (0) 15.4% (20) 38.5% (05) 23.1%(03) 23.1%(03) 

 

5.6.2 Association between Different Domains According To Visual Analog Scale on Their Age 

The following table indicates that visual analog scale is identify [0= very poor, 1(1-3) = Poor, 2 (4-6) =Good 

and 3 (7-10) =Very good]. Table means scores were organized the items into facets representing domains 

covered by the questionnaire (physical health, psychological and emotional wellbeing, social relationship, 

independence, control over life and freedom, leisure and activities, and financial circumstances). This has 

presented that overall situation according to the age range.  

Table shows that the association between different domain and VAS scale presented in table. There is a 

significant association (P<0.093) between physical health QOL and age range for person with disabilities and 

value is 7.95. In addition psychological and emotional wellbeing (P<0.124) ( =7.22) and social 

relationship (P<0.146) ( = 6.81) are not associated with the overall QOL. This may be because; these domain 

factors have not a greater impact on the persons QOL. 

Table: Association between overall visual analog scale and age range 

According to Visual Analog Scale (0 – 10)   

Domain 0 1 2  3  
Chi-square ( ) 

P-Value 

Physical health 

19-35 00 05 40 11 7.95 0.093 

36-50 00 03 30 08   

51-80 00 04 09 00   

Total 00 12 79 19   



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

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Psychological and emotional wellbeing 

19-35 00 09 40 07 7.22 0.124 

36-50 00 08 30 03   

51-80 00 06 07 00   

Total 00 23 77 10   

Social relationship 

19-35 00 10 37 09 6.81 0.146 

36-50 00 06 33 02   

51-80 00 04 09 0   

Total 00 20 79 11   

Independence, control over life, freedom 

19-35 00 11 38 07 0.77 0.942 

36-50 00 09 29 03   

51-80 00 02 09 02   

Total 00 22 76 12   

Leisure and activities 

19-35 00 49 6 00 1.41 0.493 

36-50 00 37 4 00   

51-80 00 12 02 00   

Total 00 98 12 00   

Financial circumstances 

19-35 00 23 31 2 1.37 0.848 

36-50 00 18 21 2   

51-80 00 6 7 0   

Total 00 47 59 4   

Note:  

Score Indicator Explanation 

0 Very poor The respondents indicate that they have very poor QOL in their daily life style 

during disaster and post disaster situation. 

1-3 Poor The respondents indicate that they have poor QOL in their daily life style. They can 

improve their situation through some adaptation and capacity improvement. 

4-6 Good The respondents have better QOL during disaster and post disaster situation. 

7-10 Very good The respondents indicate that they have more than better QOL during disaster and 

post disaster situation. 

On the other hand, there is no association overall leisure and activities and age range (P<0.493) and value is 

1.41. The study also shows that there have no any association between age range and financial circumstance 

(P<0.848 and value 1.37). 



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The association of QOL with demographic factors such as age, sex, education level, types of disability and 

source of income 

The association between overall QOL and demographic factors is presented in table-66. There is a significant 

association (P>0.000) between QOL and education for person with disabilities and value is 99.884. In 

addition types of disability (P> 0.000, =41.561) and source of income (P>0.021, = 79.620) are highly 

associated with the overall QOL. This may be because; these demographic factors have a greater impact on the 

persons QOL. 

Table: Association between overall QOL and demographic factor 

Overall QOL 

Demographic 

Variables 

Very 

poor 

(%) 

Poor 

(%) 

Neither poor 

nor good (%) 

Good 

(%) 

Very 

good 

(%) 

Chi-square 

( ) 

P- 

Value 

Age 

19-35 6 12 18 18 2 8.253 0.409 

36-50 2 5 15 18 1   

51-80 2 5 4 2 0   

Total 10 22 37 38 3   

Gender 

Male 9 15 18 24 3 8.384 0.078 

Female 1 7 19 14 0   

Total 10 22 37 38 3   

Education 

Illiterate 6 10 18 12 0 99.884 0.000 

Primary school 4 10 16 10 0   

High school 0 1 1 3 1   

SSC 0 1 1 6 0   

HSC 0 0 1 7 0   

Graduation 0 0 0 0 2   

Total 10 22 37 38 3   

Types of disability 

Physical disability 2 2 17 28 3 41.561 0.000 

Mental disability 2 3 2 2 0   

Hearing and speech 

disability 

0 8 7 3 0   

Visual disability 2 5 2 3 0   

Intellectual disability 4 4 9 2 0   

Total 10 22 37 38 3   

Source of income 



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Agriculture 0 1 11 8 0 79.620 0.021 

Livelihood 0 2 0 3 1   

Begging 3 1 1 1 0   

Day labour 0 3 9 3 0   

Nothing 5 11 7 5 0   

Teaching 0 0 1 2 0   

Fishing 2 2 0 3 0   

Shop 0 0 1 2 0   

Wood Work 0 1 1 2 0   

Business 0 1 0 6 1   

Rickshaw 0 0 1 0 0   

Cloth Selling 0 0 1 0 0   

Swing 0 0 1 0 0   

Servant 0 0 1 0 0   

Service Holder 0 0 2 3 1   

Total 10 22 37 38 3   

On the other hand, there is nearly association overall QOL and gender (P<0.078) and value is 8.384. But 

there have no any association between age range and QOL (P<0.409) and value is 8.253 and services. 

5.7 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Pwds During Disaster 

According to the The Disaster Risk Reduction Process: A Gender Perspective (2009) Gender issues arise from a 

complex mix of forceful factors that include differentiated roles and responsibilities, skills and capabilities, 

vulnerabilities, power relations, institutional structures, and long-standing traditions and attitudes in society. The 

specificities of gender relations may vary depending on the socio-cultural values of a society. In the disaster 

situation the gender equality plays a vital role for the affected community. However, it is observed that the 

fundamental gender-based divisions of roles, responsibilities and identities largely remain same in the study 

area.  

In case of education, it is found that a significant numbers of respondents (41.8%) are illiterate while more than 

36 per cent of the PWDs have only primary education and 7.3 per cent respondent’s complete high school. The 

rest of the respondents have over SSC education. Based on education the study finds a variation in occupation as 

well. However, educational qualifications have great impact to reduce vulnerability. It is evident that 

educational qualifications may improving capacity and reduce the risk of PWDs. An imbalanced gender 

relationship prevents women from enjoying equal-rights and equal-partners status. 

The results further, shows unemployment is identified as a major problem. The present study is distinguished 

that disaster situation may affect all aspects of PWDs life. This situation is increasing their vulnerability. 

Pre-disaster, disaster and post-disaster situation is particularly critical to meeting the mental health needs of 

people with disabilities children, women, and survivors in developing countries. The family context is central to 

understanding and meeting those needs (Fran et al., 2002). 

PWDs are depriving from employment opportunity due to their physical capabilities, stigma, prejudice and 

discrimination. It is found that a large number of people have to migrate in other places in search of jobs. 



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However, they cannot earn adequately for their lack of skills and capacity. The community people and PWDs 

are being suffered by the natural disasters and poverty on one side of their life. They are deprived from their 

basic social rights on the other side. This study point out that PWDs have not significant role capacity building, 

poverty eradication, women empowerment, gender equality and human rights important for disaster risk 

reduction. Community people need to work in integrated development approach and the most priority based 

activities in disaster situation. 

Multiple types of disability may affect the capacity of PWDs. It is evident that different types of disability make 

then more vulnerable. In this report, Brady et al. (2006) noted that people with physical disabilitieswere listed as 

the most common disability, people with cognitive disabilities and people with sensory and 

behavioral/psychiatric disabilities of the respondents respectively identifying these issues as both a primary or 

secondary limitation and challenges facing during disaster period. We need to ensure integrated livelihood 

training and program for PWDs in the disaster prone area.     

PWDs are requiring different types of assistance during disaster and post disaster period. Brady et al. (2006) 

identified that the respondents reported difficulty moving in their own homes after the disaster. This was due to 

a number of factors including home damage, loss of power needed to recharge wheelchair batteries, loss of 

home lighting. Only few respondents in this survey reported that they were able to use stairs. In homes with 

damaged stairs, this created obvious in-home mobility restrictions. Also, some of the sample required elevators 

to access their homes, although the proportion of homes with elevators varied widely across the participating 

counties. This study respondent is facing lot of challenges due to inaccessible environment, uneven surface, 

latest technology and poor socio-economic condition. In Bangladeshi, PWDs are facing lot barrier due to their 

lack of resources and accessible environment.  Gerber et al. (2010) get top six specific suggestions respondents 

made to other families of PWDs were to bring medications or prescriptions, stockpile food and water, plan 

ahead, plan where to go and make sure the location will accommodate your needs, make sure that you arrange 

for help or assistance if it is needed, and finally keep money, or better cash, available in case of emergency. 

Government of Bangladesh and local government need to aware about the basic needs of PWDs during disaster 

period.  

5.8 Association between Age and Quality of Life 

The PWDs age, there was not any association between age range and their overall qualities of life. The younger 

adult (19 to 35 years) PWDs have a significant change. The finding can be interrelate to the view of Tsai et al. 

(2007) mention that the survivors’ age and quality of life have significant association where the younger aged 

quality of life is poorer than older survivors. However, the study shows that the survivors’ age range represents 

in between 16-32 years, the association could be significant if the age range represents all aged survivors. Either 

the survivors are too younger or older the quality of life does not vary with them. For example, there have no 

any association between age range and QOL (P<0.409) and value is 8.253 and services.  Gerteis et al. 

(1993) suggested that high quality care and positive client outcomes result from the interaction of appropriate 

access to care, the delivery of appropriate clinical, social and vocational services, and the coordination.  

5.9 Association between Gender and QOL 

In association, it is found that there is no association overall QOL and gender. It means that there were some 

variations in QOL between male or female PWDs during disaster and post disaster situation. Ceyhan and Aykut 

(2007) and Nuhu et al. (2013) have identified that the male survivors have poor quality of life than females. In 

Asian context the males are the main income personnel for family members. It may effects on their QOL,  



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especially in physical domain. According to result, QOL has not any association depend upon sex. Bangladesh 

is male dominant country and male take responsibilities for family than female but finding say that QOL could 

be better or poor for both male and female. Adjacent to this study identify that the respondents, who have not 

enough enjoyment, identify it is very poor for males which is 29 per cent while nearly 15 per cent for females. It 

is evident that approximately 44 per cent female respondents have poor situation where 19 per cent of male for 

enjoying opportunity their life. For example, there is nearly association overall QOL and gender (P<0.078) and 

value is 8.384.  

5.10 Association between education and QOL 

The present study represented that there is significant association between education and QOL for PWDs.  

PWD QOL depends upon their educational qualification. Tsai et al. (2007) has revealed that there is a close 

association between level of mental health and educational qualification. The present study illustrations that 

higher rate of PWDs (more than 36 per cent) have only primary education. However this study mention that 

significant number of respondent near 42 per cent were illiterate while small number of respondents (more than 

5 per cent) have high school level education. For example, There is a significant association (P>0.000) between 

QOL and education for person with disabilities and value is 99.884. 

5.11 Association between types of disability and QOL  

There is a highly positive significant association between type of disabilities and their QOL, which means the 

QOL, is quiet better with temporally PWDs where it is very poor with permanent type of disabilities. In this case 

the long term PWDs survivors have very poor quality of life but three PWDs have very good quality of life. 

Centre for Policy Dialogue (2013) has argued that PWDs survivor seem to have lost their earning ability by 

working in the industrial sector. A number of these survivors now face unemployment due to their disability. 

This is the only barrier they face leading a quality of life. This study indicates the peak number of respondents 

have only physical disability more than 47 per cent while more than 16 per cent have disability in hearing and 

speech. Moreover, 12 per cent have mental disability, approximately 11 per cent with visual disability and more 

than 17 per cent have intellectual disability. Multiple types of disability may affect the capacity of PWDs. 

5.12 Association between Source of Income and QOL 

There is also a significant association with source of income and their QOL. Tsai et al. (2007) stated that they 

did not get any association between earthquake survivors with building collapse and their occupations. If anyone 

might be good QOL besides, any PWDs who have not any job and source of income. They have a poor QOL. 

As a result, it could not say that the employed PWDs have better quality of life than unemployed PWDs.The 

study shows, among all respondents’ 110 that significant numbers of respondents are unemployed. Nearly 16 

per cent of the respondents were unemployed. Employment depends on the physical capabilities and level of 

education. The rest of respondents 10 per cent were farmer while nearly15 per cent were day labor. Moreover, 

more than 18 per cent were housewife, approximately 6 per cent were carpenter, more than 6 per cent were 

fisherman, and 10 per cent were service holder. 

The association of the quality of life with physical health, psychological and emotional wellbeing, social 

relationship, independence, control over life and freedom, home and neighborhood, leisure and activities, and 

financial circumstances 

 



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The results of this study show that physical health (2.93+1.152), psychological and emotional wellbeing 

(2.62+1.142), social relationship (1.99 +0.761),  independence, control over life and freedom 

(2.78+1.153),home and neighborhood (3.03+1.949), leisure and activities (2.87; SD +1.114),and financial 

circumstances (2.34+1.063). Results  on  quality  of  life across the different domains  (physical health, 

psychological and emotional wellbeing, social relationship, independence, control over life and freedom,home 

and neighborhood, leisure and activities and financial circumstances domain) among respondents in this study 

were much lower  than  those  among  people  with other  types of  diseases  and  healthy  controls. 

In a study conducted in the UK by Skevington and McCrate (2012): Physical (76.49 ± 16.19), Psychological 

(67.82± 15.56), Social Relationship (70.52 ± 20.67), and Environment (68.20 ± 13.8). Nevertheless,  findings  

in  this  study  are  quite  similar to results  of carers of  elderly  people in  the  Skevington and 

McCrate (2012) study: Physical (61.53 ± 20.87), Psychological (65.78 ±14.56), Social relationship (61.68 ± 

20.34), and  Environment (68.95 ± 14.67).  Furthermore,  results  of  this  study  are  not  different  

to  findings from  research  conducted  by  Cruz et al. (2011) on QoL in a general  population  sample  

in  Brazil: Physical  (58.9 ± 10.5), Psychological (65.9 ± 10.8), Social    relationship (76.2 ± 18.8), and 

Environment (59.9 ± 14.9). QOL of depends on all aspect of human domain. PWDs are not exception from it. It 

is evident that all domain are playing vital role for maintain standard quality of life.  

5.13 Overall Rate of QOL 

In this study indicate that respondents indicate more than 9 per cent have very poor QOL while the QOL 20 per 

cent are poor. Nearly 34 per cent respondents identified neither poor or nor good QOL during in the selected 

flood prone area. Nuhu et al. (2013) has said that one-third of the respondents had poor overall QOL at palliative 

care survivors with cancer. The QOL for the person of traumatized disability has improved day by day with 

reducing anxiety and depression. According to Municipality officials, about significant number of the 

populations are poor, lacking the capacity to cope with the crisis without immediate post- disaster assistance 

(Bangladesh Bureau of Statics, 2008).According to the Ferrans (1996) conceptual statement that general health 

is reflecting the subjective aggregate grading of all health indicators. The final component is overall quality of 

health that is described by subjective wellbeing and happiness.QOL is depending on the different aspect of 

human life domain. We need to ensure different essential issues of all domains in the daily life.  

5.13.1 Satisfaction about Health 

The respondents identify nearly 6 per cent have very poor satisfaction on health, 20 per cent have poor 

satisfaction on health. There are also indicates more than 37 per cent have neither poor nor good satisfaction, 

nearly 35 per cent have good health satisfaction and nearly 3 per cent have very good satisfaction about their 

health. There is a significant positive association with the survivors’ type of support and their level of health 

satisfaction, those survivors, who have got money, maximum of them are satisfied with their health status but 

very few numbers of survivors are dissatisfied with their health status after receiving supports like- money, 

shelter and others. Therefore, the amount of money helped the survivors to expand their treatment cost for better 

quality of life. If has only ensured their health satisfaction, not the quality of life. After getting a huge amount of 

money, the survivors get mental satisfaction and they demand more money for fulfilling their family needs 

(Monitoring the Rana Plaza Follow-ups, 2013). PWDs are not exception from this perspective. They have 

physical and cognitive limitation for surviving in the catastrophic situation. We have to ensure different health 

related services for changing PWDs quality of life. 

 



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5.13.2 Access Situation of Community and Health Services 

The result in this study shows that respondents were able to access some shorts of community and health 

services. The large number of respondent approximately 78 per cent can able to some access of health services 

and community. Nearly 23 per cent number of respondents did not get any types of community and health 

services during disaster and post disaster situation. Marks (2008) mentioned that Bangladesh has a very strong 

network of strong facilities at national and sub-regional levels for stock piling food, clothing, and medicines, 

which is required for post- relief rehabilitation operations. Although it was felt by the study respondents that 

Government of Bangladesh assistance compared to the extent of manage or the needs of the affected 

households. According to Benjami (2013), physical access to health-care services is a vexing problem for many 

persons with physical disabilities because they must overcome numerous obstacles even before they can receive 

care in a physician's office, such as parking, entering the building, going to an examination room, and using the 

restroom. This led to almost one third of practices making changes related to parking areas, ramps, doors, 

restrooms, signage, equipment, and accessibility to the equipment. Persons with disabilities can benefit from 

preventive and acute-care services in ways similar to persons without disabilities, yet they experience significant 

barriers to this care and health disparities when compared with persons who do not have disabilities. Prevention 

of disabilities has been the focus of public health, and prevention remains its primary focus, but as disability is 

acknowledged as part of the normal human experience, a secondary focus of public health has become the 

promotion of the health of persons with disabilities by identifying and closing reducible gaps between the health 

of persons with and without disabilities.  

5.13.3Association between Different Domains According To Visual Analog Scale on Their Age 

This study indicate that visual analog scale is identify [0= very poor, 1(1-3) = Poor, 2 (4-6) =Good and 3 (7-10) 

=Very good]. The means scores were organised the items into facets representing the 06 domains covered by the 

questionnaire (physical health, psychological and emotional wellbeing, social relationship, independence, 

control over life and freedom, leisure and activities, and financial circumstances). This is showed that overall 

situation according to the age range. Rana Plaza disaster the exposure that means the survivors level of health 

satisfaction has analyzed, Along all of survivors about 33.7 per cent of respondents are neither satisfied nor 

dissatisfied with their health satisfaction where 27.2 per cent are satisfied with their health status and about 23.9 

per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with their health status but only a few are very satisfied with their health 

status (Alve, 2014).Result of this study shows that the association between different domain and VAS scale. 

There is a significant association between physical health QOL and age range. In addition psychological and 

emotional wellbeing and social relationship are not associated with the overall QOL. This may be because; these 

domain factors have not a greater impact on the persons QOL. On the other hand, there is no association overall 

leisure and activities and age range. In this study researcher did not find any association between age range and 

financial circumstance.According to WHOQOL questionnaire, there are four domains of quality of life and 

those are physical, psychological, social relationship and environmental. In case of physical health, maximum 

respondents have ensured good quality of life where one third has poor and another one third has fair type of 

quality of life. In case of psychological aspect most of the respondents have led life with good quality, where 

only some has fair and one third has poor psychological quality of life. In case of social relationship, about half 

of the respondents have poor quality of life and in environmental aspect, two third of the respondents have fair 

quality of life where about 9 per cent has poor environmental quality of life. Nuhu et al. (2013) revealed that 

about 21 percent had poor score on the physical domain while 19 per cent had poor psychological domain QOL.  



‘Quality of Life’ of Persons with Disability: An Assessment in Selected Flood Prone Areas of Bangladesh 
           

Mir Hasan Shakil Mahmud & Md. Abul Kalam Azad  

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In summary, the overall QOL and the physical, psychological, social and environmental domain QOL ware fair 

in palliative care centre.  

6. Conclusion 

The disaster is associated with extreme and widespread damage to property, ongoing financial problems for the 

stricken community, violence. It’s resulted from human intent and a high prevalence of trauma in the form of  

 

injuries, threat to life, and loss of life. People with disabilities are facing lots of suffering during disaster. 

Individuals will react differently to stress from a disaster. QOL depends on the different aspect domain. The 

domains are physical, psychosocial, social and environmental domain. The finding of the study identify that 

there is a significant association between QOL and education. It is also indicate that types of disability and 

source of income are highly associated with the overall QOL. It is recommended that we have to develop 

livelihood program, vocational training, social, health and educational services etc. for PWDs. If we can 

ensuring those perspective for the betterment QOL in the catastrophic situation. 

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Copyrights 

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