Factors Affecting the Perceived Social Support of Adolescent Girls and Women Aged 10–45 Years With Disabilities in Selected Sub-districts of Bangladesh

TL;DR

This study explores factors influencing social support for women and girls with disabilities in Bangladesh, highlighting education, income, and disability type as key predictors.

Contribution

The study identifies specific predictors of perceived social support for women and girls with disabilities in Bangladesh using empirical analysis.

Findings

Higher male education and household income are linked to greater perceived social support.

Younger menarche age and partial hearing disability are predictors of higher perceived social support.

Tailored interventions can improve social support for this vulnerable group.

Abstract

Background

Perceived social support is crucial for the well-being of women and adolescent girls with disabilities. In Bangladesh, social support can significantly influence their quality of life, yet it remains understudied. This study aims to identify the factors affecting perceived social support among women and adolescent girls with disabilities in selected sub-districts of Bangladesh.

Methodology

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 152 women and adolescent girls with disabilities participated. The study was conducted in Bogura Sadar and Chapainawabganj Sadar upazilas of Bangladesh. The implementation timeline of the study was from March to April 2023. The chi-square test and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to explore the factors affecting perceived social support among the participants in the selected sub-districts of Bangladesh.

Results

In the chi-square test, associations were noted between menarche age, male education, and household income categories with perceived social support categories. In Fisher’s exact test, an association was observed between females with partial hearing disability and perceived social support categories. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that better levels of education in men, high household income, and a younger age of menarche and partial hearing disability were the predictors of higher perceived social support among women and adolescent girls with disabilities.

Conclusions

This study underscores the multifaceted nature of perceived social support among women and adolescent girls with disabilities in Bangladesh. Interventions aimed at enhancing social support should consider identified predictors to provide tailored support for women and adolescent girls with disabilities. Enhanced social support can lead to overall well-being for this vulnerable population.