Exploration of health perceptions and assistive technology use by driving status as related to transportation independence in New Delhi, India.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigates travel tendencies among people with disabilities and senior citizens in New Delhi, India to reveal relationships between the desire for transportation independence, use of assistive technology for mobility, travel frequency, and satisfaction with available modes of transportation.


METHODS
Study volunteers received invitations to complete a one-time, three-part questionnaire. The survey included an assessment battery developed by the Quality of Life Technology Engineering Research Center, questions featured in the 2002 National Transportation Availability and Use Survey, and a variation on the PARTS/M and FABS/M questionnaires.


RESULTS
80 study participants completed the questionnaire, and were grouped according to driving status as No Driving Experience (NDE), Ceased Driving (CD), and Continue To Drive (CTD). Participants in the NDE group were less likely to use transportation more than twice daily. However, the CD group had the lowest perceived value for available transportation options, with transportation use comparable to the CTD group and an enduring desire to continue driving.


CONCLUSIONS
Study findings suggest an inner drive for transportation independence. The rise of driving culture internationally presents driver rehabilitation services with challenges due to the need for vehicle modifications and driving assessment using manual transmission automobiles, scooters, and motorcycles.
Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. nmb32@pitt.edu
Nahom M
NM
Beyene
Aaron
A
Steinfeld
Jon
J
Pearlman
Rory A
RA
Cooper
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014186:Transportation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult