Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was attempted to provide the basic data in order to develop a supportive system for the family by investigation of the general and disability-related features of the industrial accident disabled and their family function.
METHOD
Three hundred and forty six industrial accident disabled were randomly selected among those who resided in the Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi areas, and who were confirmed as disabled according to its severity from the first to fourteenth grade from January, 1998 to December, 2000. The data were collected for one month from August 1 to August 31, 2001. Each study team consisted of two members out of 20 researchers and they interviewed the disabled individually by visiting their homes. Collected data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, t-test, ANOVA, and Correlation, etc.
RESULTS
The average score for family function was 102.60. The adaptability represented the highest score among the concepts dependent on the family function. The concepts were cohesion, adaptability and communication, which scored as 33.59, 35.38, 33.34, respectively. The family function was significantly different in education, marital status and subjective health status. In particular, the family function was excellent from the industrial accident disabled who had graduated from middle school, was married, and felt healthy. Depression and quality of life were other factors, which were also correlated significantly with the family function. The lower the degree of depression and the better the quality of life, the better the family function.
CONCLUSION
The industrial accident disabled who had been in poor health or faced with difficulties in daily activities even after the therapy for the disability was completed. In particular, their family always had a great burden to care for the disabled and to take financial responsibility. Therefore, the rehabilitation program for the disabled should be family oriented.