---
title: "Disability status and expectations of disability services among adults with chronic diseases"
id: "plos-one-6-disability-status-and-expectations-of-disability-services-among-individuals"
canonical_url: "https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/plos-one-6-disability-status-and-expectations-of-disability-services-among-individuals"
content_type: "clinical_feed_article"
specialty: "General"
source_name: "PLOS ONE (Medicine)"
source_url: "https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824"
published_at: "2026-07-28T14:00:00.000Z"
evidence_level: "Journal Feed"
license: "CC-BY-NC-4.0 / Informational Use"
---
# Disability status and expectations of disability services among adults with chronic diseases
## Provenance & Clinical Metadata
- **Canonical URL:** https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/plos-one-6-disability-status-and-expectations-of-disability-services-among-individuals
- **Specialty:** [General](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/general.md)
- **Primary Source:** PLOS ONE (Medicine)
- **Source URL:** [Original Journal Publication](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824)
- **Published At:** 2026-07-28T14:00:00.000Z
- **Evidence Rating:** Journal Feed
## Executive GIST (TL;DR)
- This qualitative, phenomenological study in Türkiye explored how adults with chronic diseases and official disability reports experience **disability** and view **disability services**. - Twelve participants were purposively recruited between July 9, 2024 and January 7, 2025 from a private hospital and a patient association; all held disability health board reports and consented to interviews. - Seventy percent of participants were women; half had type 1 diabetes. Variation was sought across age, gender, education, employment, diagnosis, complications, and degree/duration of disability. - Data were collected via semi-structured, face-to-face or telephone interviews by a trained nurse–researcher; analysis used inductive content analysis informed by a phenomenological orientation. - Three overarching themes emerged: Impact of Disability on Daily Life, Awareness of Disability Services, and Accessibility of Disability Services, highlighting limitations beyond physical functioning including social, cultural, educational, and professional domains. - Many participants reported limited awareness of the range of services they were entitled to despite formal certification via **disability health board reports**; informational gaps and structural barriers undermined service utilization. - The authors conclude that formal recognition of disability does not guarantee effective access; improving both information provision and structural accessibility is needed to translate entitlements into meaningful support. - Data are not publicly available for confidentiality reasons; de-identified data may be requested from the Katip Çelebi University ethics committee per institutional approval. No specific funding or competing interests were reported.
## Clinical Analysis & Structured Key Points
[ Skip to main content ](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#main-content) Advertisement * [plos.org](https://plos.org/) * [Create account](https://community.plos.org/registration/new) * [Sign in](https://journals.plos.org/user/secure/login?page=%2Fplosone%2Farticle%3Fid%3D10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0354824) * * About * Browse * Publish * [](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/ "PLOS One") * Search [advanced search](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/search) * [Browse Topics](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/subjectAreaBrowse) Browse Subject Areas ? Click through the PLOS taxonomy to find articles in your field. For more information about PLOS Subject Areas, click [here](https://github.com/PLOS/plos-thesaurus/blob/master/README.md "Link opens in new window"). [](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824) [](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824) * 0 [Save](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#savedHeader) [Total Mendeley and Citeulike bookmarks.](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#savedHeader) * 0 [Citation](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#citedHeader) [Paper's citation count computed by Dimensions.](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#citedHeader) * 27 [View](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#viewedHeader) [PLOS views and downloads.](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#viewedHeader) * 0 [Share](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#discussedHeader) [Sum of Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and Wikipedia activity.](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#discussedHeader) Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article # Disability status and expectations of disability services among individuals with chronic diseases * Gökşen Polat , Roles Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing * E-mail: goksen.polat@tinaztepe.edu.tr Affiliation Elderly Care Department, Izmir Tınaztepe University, Health Services Vocational School, Buca, Izmir, Turkey [ ![ORCID logo](https://journals.plos.org/resource/img/orcid_16x16.png) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9575-2325 ](https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9575-2325 "ORCID Registry") ⨯ * Funda Sofulu, Roles Conceptualization, Data curation, Methodology, Writing – review & editing Affiliation Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izmir Katip Çelebi University, Çiğli, Izmir, Turkey ⨯ * Gönül Düzgün, Roles Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing – review & editing, Conceptualization Affiliations First Aid and Emergency Department, Izmir Tınaztepe University, Health Services Vocational School, Buca, Izmir, Turkey, Department of Elderly Care Services, Vocational School of Health Services, Izmir Tinaztepe University, Buca, Izmir, Turkey [ ![ORCID logo](https://journals.plos.org/resource/img/orcid_16x16.png) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3584-8354 ](https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3584-8354 "ORCID Registry") ⨯ * Beyzanur Sütçü, Roles Data curation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing Affiliation Department of Nursing, Izmir Katip Çelebi University, Institute of Health Sciences, Çiğli, Izmir, Turkey ⨯ * Elif Ünsal Avdal Roles Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – review & editing Affiliation Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izmir Katip Çelebi University, Çiğli, Izmir, Turkey ⨯ # Disability status and expectations of disability services among individuals with chronic diseases * Gökşen Polat, * Funda Sofulu, * Gönül Düzgün, * Beyzanur Sütçü, * Elif Ünsal Avdal ![PLOS](https://journals.plos.org/resource/img/logo-plos-full-color.svg) x * Published: July 28, 2026 * * [Article](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824) * [Authors](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/authors?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824) * [Metrics](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/metrics?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824) * [Comments](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/comments?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824) * [Media Coverage](http://plos.altmetric.com/details/doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0354824) * [Abstract](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#abstract0) * [Introduction](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#sec006) * [Methods](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#sec007) * [Results](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#sec013) * [Theme](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#sec015) * [Discussion](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#sec027) * [Conclusions](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#sec029) * [Implications for future research](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#sec030) * [Supporting information](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#sec031) * [Acknowledgments](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#ack) * [References](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#references) * [Reader Comments](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/comments?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824) * [Figures](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824) ## Abstract ### Background Disability is a multidimensional condition arising from impairment or chronic illness that limits individuals’ ability to perform age, gender, and socio-culturally expected activities. Many chronic diseases, including asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders, fall within the scope of disability. Beyond functional limitations, barriers to social relationships and cultural participation further affect individuals’ lives, underscoring the importance of examining lived experiences and expectations. ### Objective This study aimed to examine in depth the disability status of individuals with chronic diseases and their expectations of disability services. ### Methods This qualitative study was conducted in Türkiye, and participant recruitment was carried out between 09/07/2024 and 07/01/2025. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 adults with chronic diseases who held official disability reports. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling combined with a snowball technique. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis informed by a phenomenological perspective. ### Results Seventy percent of the participants were women, 50% had type 1 diabetes, and half reported limited awareness of disability services. Three main themes emerged: Impact of Disability on Daily Life, Awareness of Disability Services, and Accessibility of Disability Services. These findings highlight critical gaps between formal disability certification and effective access to services, indicating that informational and structural barriers persist despite legal entitlements. ### Conclusion Disability related to chronic illness affects multiple life domains, particularly social, cultural, educational, and professional areas. Although individuals with chronic diseases are entitled to disability services based on health board reports, limited awareness and accessibility hinder effective utilisation. ## Figures ![Table 1](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=inline&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824.t001) ![Table 2](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=inline&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824.t002) ![Table 3](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=inline&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824.t003) ![Table 1](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=inline&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824.t001) ![Table 2](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=inline&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824.t002) ![Table 3](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=inline&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824.t003) ![Table 1](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=inline&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824.t001) ![Table 2](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=inline&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824.t002) ![Table 3](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/figure/image?size=inline&id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824.t003) **Citation:** Polat G, Sofulu F, Düzgün G, Sütçü B, Ünsal Avdal E (2026) Disability status and expectations of disability services among individuals with chronic diseases. PLoS One 21(7): e0354824. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0354824 **Editor:** Serkan Yılmaz, Ankara University: Ankara Universitesi, TÜRKIYE **Received:** February 2, 2026; **Accepted:** July 13, 2026; **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Copyright:** © 2026 Polat et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the [Creative Commons Attribution License](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. **Data Availability:** The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to ethical restrictions related to sensitive patient information and the potential risk of participant re-identification. De-identified data are available from the Katip Çelebi University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (contact: etikkurullar@ikcu.edu.tr) upon reasonable request and subject to institutional approval. **Funding:** The author(s) received no specific funding for this work. **Competing interests:** The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. ## Introduction Disability is not merely a condition reflecting physical or functional limitations; rather, it is a multidimensional concept that encompasses the ways in which these limitations affect individuals’ ability to perform activities of daily living, participate in social life, and establish social relationships [[1](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.ref001)]. The World Health Organization defines disability as a disadvantageous situation resulting from the interaction between an individual’s health condition and environmental and personal factors. Globally, approximately 16% of the population lives with a disability. With the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and population aging, disability has become more common, exposing individuals not only to physical limitations but also to substantial social and environmental barriers [[2](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.ref002)]. Existing literature indicates that disability rates are higher among individuals with multiple chronic conditions and that disability is associated with reduced daily functioning and social participation. Increased functional limitations further restrict social engagement and significantly impair quality of life [[3](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.ref003),[4](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.ref004)]. While disability is congenital in some individuals, in many cases it develops as a consequence of the long-term course and complications of chronic diseases. Conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders require continuous monitoring, treatment, and care and may progressively limit individuals’ functional capacity over time. Despite this growing burden, qualitative evidence remains limited regarding how individuals with chronic diseases perceive their disability status and experience disability services in their daily lives. In Türkiye, chronic diseases including diabetes, celiac disease, and other long-term conditions may be assessed as disabilities based on the degree of functional impairment and limitations in daily living activities. Disability health board reports, issued in accordance with the Regulation on Disability Assessment for Adults, constitute the primary legal basis for access to disability rights and services [[5](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.ref005)]. However, the existence of formal eligibility does not necessarily guarantee effective use of available services. Individuals with an official disability report constitute a distinct group because they have been formally recognized as eligible for disability rights and services by health and social welfare authorities. Exploring their lived experiences provides valuable insight into the daily impact of chronic disease-related disabilities. It also helps determine whether formal recognition translates into actual access to and use of support services. Understanding these experiences is essential for identifying gaps between formal eligibility for disability services and their actual accessibility and use in everyday life. Disability should therefore be addressed not only as an individual health issue but also as a matter of social participation and equity. Studies demonstrate that individuals with disabilities experience significant barriers in employment, education, transportation, and access to cultural activities, which contribute to social exclusion and negatively affect quality of life [[6](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.ref006)]. Ensuring meaningful participation in social life and improving quality of life largely depend on equitable and effective access to disability services. Disability services include multidimensional support mechanisms such as physical rehabilitation, psychosocial support, education and employment opportunities, accessibility arrangements, and access to social services. International policy frameworks and national strategies emphasize the importance of rights-based and inclusive service models to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society. The United Nations Disability and Development Report (2024) highlights that strengthening access to disability services is a critical component of achieving sustainable development goals [[7](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.ref007)]. Despite growing recognition of disability as a rights-based issue, little is known about how individuals with chronic diseases experience disability status and navigate disability services in daily life, particularly in middle-income country contexts such as Türkiye. In this context, examining the experiences of individuals with chronic illnesses who have been certified as disabled is essential. Such examination can help identify both individual and structural barriers to service utilization, as well as gaps between formal entitlement and actual access to support. This study aimed to explore the disability status of individuals with chronic diseases and their expectations of disability services, using a phenomenological approach to gain an in-depth understanding of their lived experiences. ## Methods ### Study design and setting This study employed a qualitative research design with a phenomenological orientation to explore the lived experiences of individuals with chronic diseases regarding disability status and disability-related services. Rather than applying a formal phenomenological analytic procedure, the study used content analysis to identify patterns and meanings across participants’ accounts while maintaining a focus on their lived experiences. The study was conducted in Türkiye, and participants were recruited between 09/07/2024 and 07/01/2025. The reporting of this study was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist ([S1 Table](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.s001)) [[8](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.ref008)]. ### Participants and recruitment Participants were recruited using purposive sampling combined with a snowball technique, which is commonly employed in qualitative research to identify individuals with rich and relevant experience related to the phenomenon of interest. Recruitment was conducted through a private hospital and a patient association supporting individuals with chronic diseases and disabilities. These settings were selected to ensure access to individuals with diverse experiences related to chronic illness and disability. In addition, enrolled participants referred other eligible individuals from their social networks. Inclusion criteria were being aged 18 years or older, having at least one chronic disease, and possessing an official disability health board report. Eligibility criteria were verified through self-report and confirmation of the disability health board report provided by participants at the time of recruitment. All eligible individuals who were approached agreed to participate, and no refusals were recorded. To ensure heterogeneity, variation was sought in age, gender, educational level, occupational status, type of chronic disease, presence of complications, degree of disability, and duration since receiving the disability report. A total of twelve individuals voluntarily participated in the study. In qualitative research, sample sizes are typically small and are determined by the depth and richness of the data rather than statistical representation [[9](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.ref009),[10](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0354824#pone.0354824.ref010)]. Data collection continued until sufficient depth and richness of participants’ experiences had been obtained and no substantially new codes, categories, or insights emerged from subsequent interviews. During the final interviews, participants’ accounts largely confirmed previously identified patterns, indicating that data saturation had been achieved. ### Data collection No prior relationship was established between the researcher and the participants before the study. Data were collected through one-to-one, semi-structured interviews using a personal information form and an interview guide. No non-participants were present during the interviews. The personal information form included items on sociodemographic characteristics, employment status, type and duration of chronic disease, presence of complications, degree and duration of disability, and ability to perform activities of daily living. Interviews were conducted either face-to-face in hospital settings or via telephone when participants were at their workplaces, depending on participant preference and practical considerations. Privacy and confidentiality were ensured in both formats. All interviews were carried out in Turkish by a female nurse and academic researcher with training and experience in qualitative research methods and chronic disease care. Although she had prior professional experience working with individuals living with chronic conditions, she had no previous clinical or personal relationship with any of the study participants. The researcher entere
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