Social Determinants of Health and Life Satisfaction of Children With Disabilities

Creating a supportive environment for the health and well-being of children with disabilities is essential to enhancing their quality of life and promoting positive outcomes for families and society. In South Korea, children with disabilities face numerous structural and social challenges that threaten their well-being and lower their life satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the factors affecting life satisfaction among school-attending children with disabilities aged 19 years or younger in South Korea, using a framework based on the social determinants of health.

A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2022 Panel Survey of Disability and Life Dynamics by the Korea Disabled People's Development Institute. A total of 569 children were included. Variables were selected based on the five domains of the Healthy People 2030 framework: economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighbourhood and built environment and social and community context. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine the influence of these factors on life satisfaction.

Children with disabilities in South Korea reported lower life satisfaction than other vulnerable groups, which also face constraints on health and well-being due to socioeconomic, cultural or environmental factors. Significant predictors of life satisfaction were functional limitations, parental depression, type of education, experience with learning accommodations, satisfaction with disability welfare services, family strength, peer attachment, subjective health and self-esteem.

This study highlights the importance of addressing the social determinants of health that shape the life satisfaction of children with disabilities in South Korea. Future research should broaden the scope to include diverse populations and contexts, thereby informing more inclusive and tailored strategies to promote their health and well-being.