Influence of context in social participation of people with disabilities in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To identify environmental and personal factors associated with social participation in adults with various diseases/health conditions residing in the urban areas of the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS Individual characteristics, social participation, and perception of environmental barriers of 226 patients treated at a public rehabilitation referral service were evaluated. Regression analyses with hierarchical entry of data were performed to verify the association of personal and environmental factors with social participation. RESULTS More years of schooling, being engaged in the labor market, and consuming alcohol are conditions that increase the social participation of patients. Natural environment, transportation, access to health services, and social capital are perceived as the most important barriers to participation. Based on the linear regression analysis, the adjusted coefficient (R²(adj)) of the full model was 0.42 (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study may contribute to the planning and implementation of interventions and public policies at the individual and contextual level that are considered appropriate for reducing barriers and facilitate full participation.