A Study of Undergraduate Student’s Attitudes on the Person with Disabilities

Objective: To investigate the attitudes of undergraduate students toward persons with disabilities. Design: Questionnaire-based study. Methods: This study surveyed 350 undergraduate students attending two universities in cities B and C from March to April 2024. Of the 350 questionnaires, 16 were excluded due to incomplete content; therefore, 334 were finally analyzed. The questionnaire was revised and enhanced by the researchers, and was supplemented through revision and verification by another occupational therapist (a professor). Results: Significant differences in the positive attitudes of undergraduate students toward disabledpersons were found regarding gender and whether the students were taking a disability-related curriculum, whereas significant differences in negative attitudes were found regarding gender, the presence of a disabled person in the family, and religion. Gender, taking a disability-related curriculum, and religion showed significant differences in neutral attitudes. In all areas, gender, taking disability-related subjects, having a family member with a disability, and religion showed significant differences. Conclusions: Factors that influence the attitudes of undergraduate students toward persons with disabilities include gender, whether they follow a disability-related curriculum, whether a family member is disabled, and religion. As policies and perceptions of people with disabilities are rapidly changing, to improve our society's attitudes and awareness, we need to provide students with a correct understanding of disabilities and develop positive attitudes through positive experiences. Therefore, educational programs should be provided.