PURPOSE This study examined family function and self-esteem among young and middle-aged adults with physical disabilities. METHODS The subjects of this study consisted of 116 adults with physical disabilities. Data were collected from 4 Community rehabilitation centers in C area from October to November 2008. All subjects were questioned about family function and self-esteem by the APGAR scale and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. SPSS/WIN 12.0 was used for descriptive analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. RESULTS Subjects had a moderate level of family function (5.31) and self-esteem (28.13). There were significant differences of family function according to age, monthly income, economic status, and disability site. There were significant differences in self-esteem according to age, gender, monthly income, and economic status. The level of family function and income were related to self-esteem. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that there is a necessity to improve family function and self-esteem among young and middle-aged adults with physical disabilities. Nursing interventions should take into account the role of family function in promoting self-esteem in people with physical disabilities.
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