Psychosocial impact of assistive device use among individuals with locomotor disability in North India: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: influence on psychosocial domains like self-esteem, competence and adaptability, thereby impacting the quality of life. However, there is a paucity of research on the psychological effects of assistive device use in people with locomotor disabilities in the Indian scenario. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychosocial Impact of assistive device use in individuals with locomotor disability using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care centre and included individuals with locomotor disability who used any assistive devices. The Impact of these devices was assessed using a questionnaire, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), among 170 participants. RESULTS: Most participants reported a positive psychosocial impact of using assistive devices. The highest mean score was observed in the adaptability domain, suggesting that the ability to manage basic tasks is more manageable with assistive devices. Competence and self-esteem also had higher mean scores, suggesting improved confidence in daily activities. CONCLUSION: The study shows that Assistive devices contribute to emotional and social empowerment and functional independence and highlights the importance of assistive technology in the lives of people with locomotor disability.