Access to Basic Services and Health-Related Social Participation Among People with Disabilities: Evidence from a Provincial Census in China

Objective: This study examines whether access to basic services is associated with health-related social participation among people with disabilities, with a particular focus on participation in cultural and sports activities. Methods: Using data from the 2022 census of people with disabilities in X Province, China, we estimated Probit models to assess the association between access to three types of basic services—rehabilitation, social welfare, and social assistance—and participation in cultural and sports activities. Results: Greater access to basic services was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of participation in cultural and sports activities. Among the three service categories, rehabilitation services showed the strongest positive association. The positive association was stronger among individuals with lower disability severity. Conclusions: Access to disability-related basic services, especially rehabilitation services, may promote health-related social participation and social integration among people with disabilities. These findings highlight the importance of service access and rehabilitation support for disability healthcare, community inclusion, and quality of life.