Effects of public perceptions of reasons for abandonment of free-of-charge wearable assistive devices.

PURPOSE: Many countries provide wearable assistive devices free of charge to their injured or disabled citizens. The present study examined the beliefs of a sample of members of the UK general public about why devices are often abandoned shortly after acquisition and related these beliefs (together with other variables) to the study participants' willingness to support the free-of-charge supply of devices to people in need. Beliefs were explored in relation to elderly and younger device wearers. Although the complexities of assistive technology abandonment have been researched extensively, studies have not explored how public perceptions of the reasons for abandonment influence attitudes towards free-of-charge provision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for the study were collected by a commercial market research company using a questionnaire that included items assessing a participant's levels of ageism, ephebiphobia (i.e. intense dislike of young people), empathetic disposition, right-leaning political orientation, and demographic factors. The data were analysed descriptively and using regression analysis. RESULTS: A substantial number of participants reported differing beliefs about the presumed reasons for device abandonment among elderly and younger wearers. Often, sample members believed that certain operational factors applied more to abandonment decisions among older people than among younger people. Conversely, specific hedonic factors were believed to make young individuals more likely to abandon devices. CONCLUSION: State interventions, in the form of public information campaigns and communications, could be needed to encourage members of the public to support the continued provision of free-of-charge wearable assistive devices to people who need them.