Introduction

Transport, a well-recognised determinant of health, is particularly salient to well-being and equitable health outcomes amongst older people and people living with disabilities living in low-and middle-income countries. This study explored the facilitators and barriers for safe and accessible transportation from the perspectives of older people and those living with disabilities in Sri Lanka.

Methods

The community-based qualitative research study involved eight focus group discussions conducted among older people (60 years and above) and people living with disabilities (physical, sensory, learning impairment; aged 12 years and above) in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data.

Results

The transport challenges perceived by participants were multi-faceted and often inter-related. Participants identified barriers embedded in the built environment and transport infrastructure, such as poorly designed road systems and public vehicles, unsatisfactory services, lack of representation in road development programs, reduced opportunities for meaningful participation in the society and negative attitudes of the general public, as limitations for safe and accessible transportation. Poverty exacerbated the transport inequities experienced by the participants, affecting their quality of life and well-being.

Conclusions

The study findings indicate the need for a national policy and legislative reforms that prioritise age- and disability-inclusive transport systems and infrastructure, and accessible and affordable transport modes in Sri Lanka. To ensure equitable opportunities and wellbeing, it is also imperative to foster meaningful relationships and positive societal attitudes towards older people and those living with disability.

中文翻译：

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斯里兰卡的交通公平：与残疾和老年人相关的经验

介绍

交通运输是公认的健康决定因素，尤其对于生活在中低收入国家的老年人和残疾人来说，对于实现福祉和公平的健康成果尤其重要。这项研究从斯里兰卡的老年人和残疾人的角度探讨了促进安全和无障碍交通的促进因素和障碍。

方法

基于社区的定性研究涉及斯里兰卡科伦坡地区的老年人（60岁及以上）和残疾人（身体，感官，学习障碍； 12岁及以上）之间进行的八次焦点小组讨论。主题分析用于分析数据。

结果

与会者认为，运输挑战是多方面的，往往是相互关联的。与会人员确定了建筑环境和运输基础设施中存在的障碍，例如设计不良的道路系统和公共车辆，服务不满意，道路发展计划缺乏代表性，减少了有意义地参与社会的机会以及公众的消极态度，安全和无障碍运输的限制。贫困加剧了参与者所经历的运输不平等，影响了他们的生活质量和福祉。

结论

研究结果表明，有必要制定一项国家政策和立法改革，以优先考虑包括年龄和残疾在内的运输系统和基础设施，以及斯里兰卡的可负担和负担得起的运输方式。为了确保平等的机会和福祉，还必须与老年人和残障人士建立有意义的关系和积极的社会态度。