Effectiveness of Interventions to Improve Socioeconomic Participation, Access to Services, Quality of Life, and Social Inclusion Among People with Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background – The persistent exclusion of people with disabilities from social, economic, and health systems remains a critical global issue, driven by structural barriers, stigma, and unequal access to resources. Despite a growing number of intervention studies, evidence on their comparative effectiveness across contexts remains fragmented. Research Urgency – Existing disability interventions vary widely in design, implementation, and contextual adaptability, while systematic evidence on which models are most effective in improving inclusion outcomes is limited, particularly regarding how intervention types explain effect variability across studies. Research Objectives – This study systematically synthesizes the effectiveness of disability-related interventions in improving social participation, access to services, and inclusion outcomes, and examines the moderating role of intervention type in explaining between-study heterogeneity. Research Method – A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on 23 empirical studies. Random-effects and mixed-effects meta-regression models were applied to estimate pooled effect sizes and assess intervention type as a moderator of heterogeneity. Research Findings – The results indicate a significant overall positive effect of interventions on inclusion outcomes (estimate = 0.480; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.229–0.732). Heterogeneity was low to moderate (I² = 28.11%, Q = 39.221, p = 0.013). Moderator analysis revealed that intervention type significantly influenced effect size (QM = 19.817, p = 0.0002), with certain intervention categories demonstrating stronger effects. Evidence of potential publication bias was observed (Egger’s test p < 0.001), although results remained stable under sensitivity analysis. Research Conclusion – Disability-related interventions are generally effective in improving inclusion outcomes; however, their effectiveness depends significantly on the type of intervention implemented and contextual conditions. Research Novelty/Contribution – This study provides a comprehensive quantitative synthesis of disability inclusion interventions and advances the literature by identifying intervention type as a significant moderator of effectiveness, offering evidence-based guidance for policy design and inclusive development strategies.

Keywords

• disability inclusion
• meta-analysis
• social participation
• intervention effectiveness
• mixed-effects model
• systematic review