Abstract
Objective : To elucidate factors affecting the sense of fulfillment experienced by volunteers working with the handicapped during activities in order to enhance support for volunteers by public health nurses. Methods : Self-report questionnaires were administered to 396 volunteers registered at healthcare and welfare institutions in Hokkaido who were participating in "activities for the handicapped." From a total of 260 responses (65.7%), analysis was performed for 244 responses. The sense of fulfillment associated with volunteer activities was measured using a fulfillment scale. In addition, factors affecting the sense of fulfillment were structured into the following eight frameworks : "personal attributes," "volunteer experience," "motivation for volunteering," "knowledge of diseases," "experience of contact with the handicapped," "expansion of perspectives," "emotional support," and "burden." Multiple regression analysis was performed using sense of fulfillment as the dependent variable and 29 factors derived from the eight frameworks as independent variables. Results : A total of 10 factors affected the sense of fulfillment felt by volunteers working with the handicapped during activities, with "changes in perspective on the handicapped," followed by "age," "financial burden," and "confidence in knowledge of diseases" showing the most significant effects. Conclusion : The sense of fulfillment among volunteers was most affected by "changes in perspective on the handicapped." Support for promoting mutual interaction between volunteers and the handicapped that contributes to changes in perspectives on the handicapped is of utmost importance in enhancing the sense of fulfillment among volunteers.
