Clothing Challenges of People With Mobility Impairment in Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality- Central Region, Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the design details of general garments in order to assess how People with Mobility Impairment (PWMIs) in Komenda Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) municipality are satisfied with these garments in the Ghanaian market. The study adopted the mixed method survey design and collected data from 201 respondents from Enyindakrom, Kissi, Elmina, Besease, and Komenda located in the KEEA municipality. Questionnaire and interview guide were used as the main instruments for the data collection. Using Statistical Package for Service Solution (SPSS) version 26.0, data was analyzed quantitatively using mean, frequency counts and percentages, and correlation analysis at 5% level of significance while the interview guide questions were analyzed qualitatively to support the findings. Findings revealed that PWMIs in general, are dissatisfied with their ready-made garment attributes. PWMIs are satisfied with the construction quality of the altered ready-made garment. Findings further revealed that in selecting garment, attributes such as option to customize, fits, short sleeves, among others are considered important. Although, there was a positively weak significant relationship, between the quality of life of PWMIs and the Functional, Expressive and Aesthetic (FEA) element of clothing, it indicated that a well thought clothing design that blends functionality, expressive and aesthetic elements of clothing, would have the ability to improve, to a certain degree, the quality of life of PWMIs and vice versa. It was therefore recommended that, when PWMIs take their garments to designers, they should be able to tell them the problems that they have and to point out the design features that they want in their customized garments to increase satisfaction level in their garments.