Impact of rehabilitation services on employment outcomes for individuals with physical disabilities: a propensity score matching analysis

TL;DR

This study examines how rehabilitation services affect employment outcomes for people with physical disabilities in South Korea.

Contribution

It uses propensity score matching to evaluate the impact of rehabilitation services on employment in a specific population.

Findings

Rehabilitation services did not significantly affect overall employment outcomes.

Individuals with low subjective health status benefited from rehabilitation services in terms of employment.

The study provides data for future policy development on disability rehabilitation.

Abstract

Choosing a suitable job and leading a fulfilling professional life is vital for individuals, regardless of disability. Governments provide rehabilitation services to promote employment for individuals with disabilities, but research on their effects is limited. This study aimed to examine the impact of rehabilitation services on employment among people with physical disabilities in South Korea using propensity score matching.

This study utilized an observational research design. Data were obtained from the 2020 National Survey of Disabled Persons, including 1,757 individuals aged 20 or older with physical disabilities. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and independent t-tests, logistic regression, and propensity score matching were employed.

The results for employment of individuals with physical disabilities showed no difference between the with rehabilitation services and the without rehabilitation services group. Based on subgroup analysis, when individuals with physical disabilities who rated their subjective health status low received rehabilitation services, it had a positive effect on employment.

The results of this study could serve as foundational data for future policies and educational directions concerning rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-024-19015-6.

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