Development of Functional Garments for Physically Challenged Wheelclhair and Bedridden Females in Benue State

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to develop functional garments for physically challenged wheelchair and bedridden females (PCWBF) in Benue State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the characteristics and activities of the PCWBF that dictated their garment requirements, garment needs and types preferred by the PCWBF and developed design features needed for the drafting of patterns for functional garments for the PCWBF. Other specific objectives were establishment of average body measurements of PCWBF in small, medium and large sizes, development of basic pattern pieces for the three groups and construction of prototype functional garments (PFG) based on adaptations of the pattern pieces developed. Appropriateness of the PGF on the different sizes of PCWBF was determined by test fitting; fit, comfort, ease of mobility, acceptability, aesthetics and expressive attributes were assessed by the users and the judges. Seven research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The research design was Research and Development (R & D). Two models: Function, Expressive and Aesthetic (FEA) model and the Universal Design Principles (UDP) guided the study. The population for the study was 9940 and sample was 653 respondents respectively. The instruments for data collection were Garment Needs Assessment Questionnaire (GNAQ), Body Measurement Chart (BMC), Observation Checklist (OCL) and Garment Fit Assessment Questionnaire (GFAQ). Reliability of GNAQ and GFAQ were tested: inter- rater reliability Coefficient for section A of GNAQ tested using Kendall’s W Coefficient of Concordance was 0.773. Internal consistency for sections B and C using Cronbach Alpha Coefficients yielded 0.643 and 0.764 respectively. Internal consistency for GFAQ were 0.774(fit), 0.688 (comfort), 0.854 (Aesthetics) and 0.725 (expressive) respectively. Data collected were analyzed using percentages and means. One –way ANOVA was used to test the two null hypotheses at 0.05 levels of significance. Results showed that PCWBF have curved spines, disproportionate torsos and limbs that may be dysfunctional. Garment needs of PCWBF were characterized by need for donning and doffing and concealment of deformed parts of body, emotional, psychological and physical independence indicated by 55.4%, 32.6% and 69.0% PCWBF respectively. Preferred garment designs were ¾ Length, free and short sleeve lengths, cotton fabrics, dull floral colours with aesthetic and expressive features. Size categorization of PCWBF were large (58.4%), medium (26.9%), small (14.7%). A total of 72 basic block patterns were drafted for small, medium and large sizes each for trouser, skirts, blouses, gowns. Thirteen prototype functional garments (PFG) were developed by adapting the basic blocks. All fourteen functional and aesthetic designs were rated above satisfactory (4± 0.33) five expressive designs were rated above satisfactory (3.67 ± 0.5). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between users and judges on physical requirements for concealment of deformity; responses of judges on colour of fabrics needed for PFG for the PCWBF. Recommendations included: Therapy for PCWBF in-patients should include teachings by nurses and Home Economics Extension Agents on functional garment usage. Ready- to- wear functional garments should form parts of the discharge kit for PCWBF on discharge from hospital. Extracts from this study should be included for teaching clothing students especially tertiary institutions.