Volume 9, Issue 1 (Continuously Updated- In press 2026)
Func Disabil J 2026, 9(1): 0-0 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Najafpour M, Heydari S, Salehi R. Exploring Causal Factors of Rehabilitation Dropout from the Perspectives of People with Disabilities and Rehabilitation Service Providers: A Qualitative Study. Func Disabil J 2026; 9 (1)
URL: http://fdj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-333-en.html
URL: http://fdj.iums.ac.ir/article-1-333-en.html
1- Department of Rehabilitation Management, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Rehabilitation Management, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,samaheidari@gmail.com
2- Department of Rehabilitation Management, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract: (21 Views)
Background & Objective: Rehabilitation is a vital component of health systems and a fundamental human right, essential for enhancing the quality of life of People with disabilities. Despite its importance, many discontinue rehabilitation, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased social and economic burdens. This study aimed to explore factors contributing to rehabilitation dropout from the perspectives of individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation providers.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Tehran using conventional content analysis with an inductive approach, with credibility and trustworthiness maintained through recognized qualitative criteria. Semi-structured interviews were held with 28 individuals with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities (or their caregivers) and 10 rehabilitation service providers, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling with maximum variation.
Results: Analysis generated 43 codes, grouped into eight subthemes: expectations and attitudes toward rehabilitation, accessibility challenges, financial barriers, therapist and center related issues, lack of cooperation and support, psychological factors, time management difficulties and comorbid medical conditions. These coalesced into the overarching theme of “causal factors.” Key reasons for discontinuation included unrealistic expectations, economic hardship, transportation difficulties, limited insurance coverage, lack of family support, psychological distress and Work schedule conflict.
Conclusion: This qualitative study indicate that rehabilitation dropout among people with disabilities is a complex phenomenon shaped by the interaction of individual perceptions, economic constraints, accessibility barriers, service related factors, psychological challenges, and social circumstances. Participants’ experiences showed that discontinuation does not result from a single dominant factor, but rather from the cumulative and overlapping effects of these conditions over time.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Tehran using conventional content analysis with an inductive approach, with credibility and trustworthiness maintained through recognized qualitative criteria. Semi-structured interviews were held with 28 individuals with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities (or their caregivers) and 10 rehabilitation service providers, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling with maximum variation.
Results: Analysis generated 43 codes, grouped into eight subthemes: expectations and attitudes toward rehabilitation, accessibility challenges, financial barriers, therapist and center related issues, lack of cooperation and support, psychological factors, time management difficulties and comorbid medical conditions. These coalesced into the overarching theme of “causal factors.” Key reasons for discontinuation included unrealistic expectations, economic hardship, transportation difficulties, limited insurance coverage, lack of family support, psychological distress and Work schedule conflict.
Conclusion: This qualitative study indicate that rehabilitation dropout among people with disabilities is a complex phenomenon shaped by the interaction of individual perceptions, economic constraints, accessibility barriers, service related factors, psychological challenges, and social circumstances. Participants’ experiences showed that discontinuation does not result from a single dominant factor, but rather from the cumulative and overlapping effects of these conditions over time.
Keywords: Rehabilitation Adherence, Patient Dropouts, Disabled Persons, Health Services Accessibility, Financial Barriers, Psychological Factors
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Rehabilitation management
Received: 2025/09/2 | Accepted: 2025/12/17 | Published: 2026/03/11
Received: 2025/09/2 | Accepted: 2025/12/17 | Published: 2026/03/11
Contact Information
All the work in this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons
ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-SHAREALIKE 4.0
INTERNATIONAL International License.
Tehran Province, Tehran, District 3, Mirdamad Ave, Nezam Ave, School of Rehabilitation Science
Tel: +98 21 22228051-2 Ext: 180
Fax98 21 22220946
All the work in this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons
ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-SHAREALIKE 4.0
INTERNATIONAL International License.