Determinants of Participatory Intention in Autism Volunteer Work for Improving Quality of Life of Persons with Autism (PWA) and their Caregivers

  • Naffisah Mohd Hassan Universiti Teknologi MARA
  • Siti Noorsuriani Maon Universiti Teknologi MARA
  • Nur Athirah Sumardi Universiti Teknologi MARA
  • Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku Jamaluddin Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang
  • Nik Mohamad Baslan Faiz Md Sukri Pusat Terapi Al-Nur, Bandar Baru Nilai, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan
  • Hairil Rashmizal Abdul Razak University of Exeter
Keywords: Person with Autism, Volunteer Work, Quality of Life, Community Support System, Participatory intention.

Abstract

Evidence-based psychosocial interventions can enhance communication and social abilities, leading to a favorable effect on the overall welfare and quality of life for individuals with autism and those who care for them. Despite the importance of volunteers in supporting individuals with autism and their families, there is limited research on the factors influencing individuals' decisions to participate in autism-related volunteer work. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the various factors that shape individuals' intentions to participate in volunteer activities related to autism. A cross-sectional study design with a purposive sampling technique was conducted. Data obtained from a survey questionnaire polled ninety-nine university students’ attitudes regarding the factors influencing their participatory intention in autism volunteer work. Descriptive statistics show that the participation intention level among university students was high (M=4.47, SD=0.52). There was a statistically significant strong and moderate relationship between attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, self-efficacy and religiosity toward participation intention. The regression analysis revealed that subjective norms, perceived behavior control and religiosity affected participatory intention. This study provided practical implications for designing and implementing effective interventions and programs to recruit and retain volunteers, as well as to promote positive social change and inclusion for people with autism.

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Published
2024-10-05
How to Cite
Hassan, N. M., Maon, S. N., Sumardi, N. A., Tengku Jamaluddin, T. Z. M., Md Sukri, N. M. B. F., & Abdul Razak, H. R. (2024). Determinants of Participatory Intention in Autism Volunteer Work for Improving Quality of Life of Persons with Autism (PWA) and their Caregivers. Information Management and Business Review, 16(3(I)S), 727-739. https://doi.org/10.22610/imbr.v16i3(I)S.4103
Section
Research Paper