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Disability Stigma, Self-efficacy and Quality of Life Among Para-athletes in North-central Nigeria: a Cross-sectional Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In Nigeria, pervasive societal stigma persists against persons with disabilities despite protective legislation, creating barriers to social inclusion and well-being. Para-athletes represent a population that may be particularly affected, navigating both athletic participation and disability stigma. This study aimed to assess the levels of disability stigma, self-efficacy, and quality of life among para-athletes in Kogi State, and to examine the relationships between these variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a census sample of 70 registered para-athletes. Data were collected using standardized instruments: the Internalized Stigma of Disability Scale (α = .91), General Self-Efficacy Scale (α = .87), and WHOQOL-BREF (α = .92). Participants reported high disability stigma (M = 47.77), moderate-to-low self-efficacy (M = 18.27), and critically low quality of life across all domains (Physical M=21.99, Psychological (M =21.13), Social (M = 19.88), Environmental M=21.70). A significant negative correlation was found between disability stigma and self-efficacy (r = -0.266, p = .026), but no significant relationship emerged between stigma and overall quality of life. The findings indicate that while stigma directly undermines self-efficacy, athletic identity may buffer its impact on overall quality of life. Consequently, stakeholders should implement integrated support programs combining psychological services to bolster self-efficacy with community initiatives to reduce stigma, thereby addressing both the internal and external challenges para-athletes face. These findings, while derived from Kogi State, offer transferable insights for para-athlete support systems across resource-limited, high-stigma environments in Nigeria and beyond.

Source: Journal of Health and Human Movement Studies

Authors: Ayobami Alade, OKUNDARE, Victor Ben, OLOWOLENI, Emmanuel Akinyemi, ADENUGA, Ayobami Joseph, OKANLAWON, Eunice Iyanuoluwa, OLASUNKANMI

Institutions: Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kogi State University, University of Ibadan

Language: English

Topic: Inclusion and Disability in Education and Sport

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7220232136

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