International Classification Of Functioning Research Articles

Factor Structure of the Bulgarian Version of FOCUS on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six

The aim of this paper is to present the Factor structure of the Bulgarian version of FOCUS on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six. The instrument is based on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Children and Youth (ICF-CY), and it aims at tracing the effect of therapy on the child’s communication and participation in the real world. Our research is focused on the factor structure and reliability of the Parent’s form. The participants formed two samples, the main one consisting of 272 (mostly preschool children), males and females. The age of the subjects varied between 2.17 and 7.25 years, with a mean age of M = 4.91 years and SD = 1.10.
 The latent structure of the questionnaire was examined in five phases – 1-test of the assumption of one-dimensionality; 2-exploratory factor analysis was applied to establish the factor model, based on data from an empirical study; 3-three possible factor models with a fixed number of factors were analyzed; 4-the factor models were compared through confirmatory factor analysis. The aim of the analyses was to select the most appropriate final model for the Bulgarian version of the questionnaire. The reliability analysis of the scales in the two-factor model was conducted through testing their internal consistency.
 The two-factor model of the FOCUS questionnaire in Bulgarian shows a good orientation towards two specific functions – ‘capacity for communication’, and ‘performance’ or ‘communicative performance’. Due to its stable measurements related to functioning, this tool could be effectively used to practically assess the effect of therapy on children with development disorders.

Barriers to, and facilitators of, education for children with disabilities worldwide: a descriptive review.

Inclusionary ideals regarding the education of children with disabilities (CWD) are articulated in various international human rights treaties and instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights (2006), the Salamanca Statement (1994), and the 2030 agenda of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the latter, the fourth goal explicitly focuses on the removal of barriers to education and supporting access to quality, equity, and inclusion for people with disabilities. Although data regarding access to education among CWD remains scarce, it is well known that rates of their participation in education remain low, particularly among those in LMICs. The research question of this descriptive review is what are the barriers to and facilitators of education for children with disabilities worldwide aged between 6 and 18 years old? A descriptive review of literature published in English between 2013 and 2021 was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for a scoping review using the following databases: EBSCO, SocINDEX with full text (EBSCO), and ERIC (EBSCO). The search resulted in 7,072 titles and abstracts, which were narrowed down to 1,335 papers for full text review. After data extraction, 54 papers were included in the analysis, with 34 being qualitative, 10 quantitative, and 10 mixed-methods studies. The findings on the facilitators and barriers to education for children with disabilities were analyzed using the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF) and Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Framework (1979). Out of the eligible studies included in our research, 40 were conducted in developing countries, while 14 studies conducted on LMICs. Of the five environmental domains in the ICF, the most significant barriers were found to be that of attitudes and services, while technology and effective communication with school staff were found to play a crucial role in facilitating the education process. Applying Bronfenbrenner's framework, barriers occurred at the micro-system (school level), meso-system (parent and teacher communication), exo-system (services), and macro-system (education policy). Only 3 out of the 54 studies included the voices of CWD. Despite documented barriers, facilitators of education for CWD are underexplored, lacking research on their voices. Further investigation is needed.

Obstacles and Facilitators in Daily Living Activities Among Persons with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systemic Review

Introduction: This systematic review aimed to investigate the level of participation, obstacles, and facilitator factors that influence activities of daily living among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in four online databases, namely Google Scholar, PubMed, OT Seeker, and Cochrane Library covering the ten-years period from January 2012 to December 2022. Inclusion criteria encompassed original published studies in English focusing on daily activities, work, participation, obstacles, and facilitators in persons with SCI. Non-peer review sources (e.g., abstracts, grey literature, preprints), and studies unrelated to occupational therapy were excluded. The selected studies were assessed for quality using McMaster University Occupational Therapy Evidence-Based Practice critical review form. Results: Out of the 678 articles identified, ten studies were included after the screening, exploring participation in daily living activities, employment, return to work, leisure activities, family tasks, and community mobility among persons with SCI. Obstacles and facilitators influencing participation in activities of daily living were classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. This review highlighted that long-term participation is challenging for persons with SCI, affected by obstacles such as body functions, pain, low self-esteem, and environmental and social factors. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of adopting a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach to enhance participation in daily activities for persons with SCI. Occupational therapy plays a significant role in improving participation levels among persons with SCI.

A postpartum functional assessment tool for women based on the international classification of functioning, disability and health

BackgroundPostpartum dysfunctions and complications can occur in women. However, functional assessment should be conducted to make treatment plans before any intervention is implemented. In this context, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) may be a useful tool for women postpartum to document functional data and set rehabilitation goals. The purpose of this study was to determine the corresponding domains that should be considered in the evaluation of women’s postpartum functioning based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model using the Delphi method.MethodsFifteen domestic experts were invited to conduct two rounds of expert consensus survey on the ICF-based postpartum functional assessment category pool obtained through literature retrieval, clinical investigation, and reference to relevant literature. The sample was medical staff with professional knowledge of women’s health. The opinions of experts were summarized, and the positive coefficient, authority coefficient and coordination degree of experts were calculated.ResultsA total of 15 domestic experts participated in this expert consensus. Through two rounds of a questionnaire survey, 69 items were finally selected to form the ICF-based postpartum functional assessment tool for women. The items included 32 items of body function, 12 items of body structure, 17 items of activity and participation, and 8 items of environmental factors. In addition, we identified 8 items of personal factors. The expert positive coefficients of the two rounds of expert consensus were both 100%, the authority coefficient was 0.789, and the coefficient of variation was between 0.09 to 0.31.ConclusionA postpartum functional assessment tool for women based on the ICF model was constructed based on the Delphi method, which can provide more comprehensive health management and life intervention for postpartum women.Trial registrationThe Registration number of the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry is ChiCTR2200066163, 25/11/2022.

Practical tips by peer support in chronic vestibular hypofunction: an exploratory survey.

Patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction typically suffer from dizziness, imbalance and oscillopsia (blurred vision); symptoms that pose challenges to everyday life. Currently, advice on how to deal with such challenges is mainly provided by health care professionals (i.e., ENT-surgeons, neurologists, physiotherapists and psychologists). However, fellow patients with a similar condition and a true appreciation of the lived experiences, are likely to provide valuable support and advice as well. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to collect tips and advice from patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction. An exploratory survey was designed to collect tips from fellow chronic vestibular hypofunction patients on how to cope with disease-related challenges in everyday life. The survey was distributed both online and in person. The list of tips was coded and analyzed thematically and deductively, by using the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF) model. In total, 425 tips were obtained from the 179 participants. Most tips were coded under "environmental factors" (46%) and "activities and participation" (39%). The remaining tips were categorized as "body functions" (15%). No tips were about "body structures." The participants coped with their daily struggles by investing in assistive products and technology, like adapted bikes, special footwear, walking frames. They described the importance of ensuring minimal light intensity for visibility (i.e., installing light sources in dark places). During activities, participants gave the advice to avoid bumpy roads and obstacles, and highlighted the necessity of adequate visual fixation to maintain balance. To ensure optimal activity, participants emphasized the importance of managing energy and taking sufficient rest. This study gives insight into how patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction cope with everyday struggles due to their symptoms. These tips can expand advice given by healthcare professionals. Knowing that fellow patients experience similar struggles and learned to deal with their struggles in adequate ways, might offer support and help patients focus on possibilities rather than on disabilities. Further research should investigate the effect of sharing tips to see whether improvement in (mental) health can be achieved in patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction.

International classification of functioning, disability and health with long-term consequences of cranio-brain injury.

Aim: To describe health status and related functioning of patients with different severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in past medical history in Ukraine and determining the feasibility of using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Brief Core Set for TBI. Materials and Methods: A total of 102 patients, who were treated in the neurological department of Dnipropetrovsk regional clinical hospital and State Institution ≪Ukrainian State Scientific Research Institute of Medical and Social Problems of Disability of Health Ministry of Ukraine≫, had been examined. Patients were divided into three groups: mild, moderate and severe TBI in past history and evaluated using ICF Brief Core Set for TBI. Results: Тhe most common problems in the functioning and health of patients in remote period of TBI, along with the influencing factors have been identified in the study. The most frequent categories from ≪Body Functions≫ and ≪Activity and Participation≫ sections in which patients had alterations were: memory functions, emotional functions, sensation of pain, functions of attention, brain structure, complex interpersonal interactions, family relationships. The increase in the amount and severity of disturbances with increasing severity of TBI had been established in all categories, except complex interpersonal interactions and family relationships. Conclusions: Patients of all groups identified the family and close relatives, healthcare service and social welfare services, as the most frequent relieving factors of life activity. The use of the ICF Brief Core Set for assessing the subjects with TBI in past history provides a convenient procedure to standardize and structure functioning description. Information collected by the ICF Brief Core Set may be used for different purposes: clinical assessment, administration of medical services, planning and implementation of rehabilitation and evaluation of results, in scientific research, reports and health care statistics.

Реабилитационный диагноз у недоношенных детей с перинатальной патологией нервной системы на основе Международной классификации функционирования

Aim. To determine the main categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health that constitute a rehabilitation diagnosis in a premature infant with perinatal lesions of the nervous system. Key points. One of the urgent tasks in the formation of a unified approach to the rehabilitation and habilitation of premature babies when they are transferred from the first or second stage of rehabilitation is to assess the child's rehabilitation status and establish a rehabilitation diagnosis. For this purpose, we used the International Classification of Functioning, Disabilities and Health. Studied domains include nervous system structures; vision and related functions; hearing and vestibular functions; neuromuscular and movement-related functions; skeletal, digestive, and metabolic functions; child mobility; and environmental factors. The article describes a clinical case of a 9.5-month-old patient, born at 30 weeks' gestation, who was admitted to a rehabilitation course at a day hospital with a complaint of delayed motor development. After establishing the rehabilitation diagnosis, the infant's average rehabilitation potential was determined and a favourable rehabilitation prognosis was predicted on the basis of the rehabilitation results. The positive effect of the rehabilitation activities was associated with the emergence of new skills and improvement in the rehabilitation status of the child. Conclusion. Formulating a rehabilitation diagnosis involves assessing the patient's current situation, which makes it possible to set rehabilitation goals, form a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, justify the use of rehabilitation methods and evaluate the outcome of rehabilitation interventions. Keywords: premature children, rehabilitation diagnosis, rehabilitation potential, International Classification of Functioning, psychological development.

Development and pilot of equine facilitated physical therapy outcome measure tool for chronic low back pain patients

Equine Facilitated Physical Therapy (EFPT) lacks consistent documentation due to being an unconventional physical therapy treatment to chronic low back pain patients (LBP) and lacking rehabilitation outcome measure tools for a stable (equestrian) environment. The objectives were to develop an online evaluation tool as well as to define inter- and intra-rater reliability to validate the outcome measurement tool “Evaluation of maintaining sitting position (on a horse) and walking (short distances)” designed for LBP patients in EFPT”.A total of 48 movement related functions (n = 48), were derived from the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) and organized to an online evaluation tool. Depending on the state of validation two to six (2–6) raters scored randomized patient (n = 22) video material, recorded during a 12-week EFPT intervention, with the designed tool.Inter-rater agreement level between the experts reached good (α = 87) reliability for the scoring of the items and calculated per patient excellent (α = 100). Intra-rater reliability reached good (α = 87) and per patient good (α = 80) repeatability. For the healthy adults the reliability between raters reached acceptable (α = 72) levels and per rated excellent (α = 100). The developed assessment tool was found satisfactory to fulfil the requirement for the therapeutic practice.With the use of the tool physical therapist may detect postural changes for LBP patients as outcome report in EFPT. The tool may be used to identify treatment progress and to help design home exercises. The created tool will help to collect similar outcome measures from LBP patients in EFPT and to validate the treatment within industry.

Do Indian Researchers Consider Functioning Issues of Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis: A Scoping Review

Lower extremity osteoarthritis (LEOA) is a noncommunicable disease with an increasing burden globally, especially the developing countries like India. Understanding the functioning issue is needed to address individuals’ daily problems. Knowing how Indian researchers consider functioning will aid in understanding the current research trend. This scoping review describes the nature and extent to which the Indian researchers considered the functioning issues of LEOA individuals and linked them with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) categories. We conducted an electronic database search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Pedro for Indian studies related to the functional issue of LEOA. Keeping the standard of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses- extension for scoping reviews (ScR) guidelines, we identified 102 related articles and included 28 that match the selection criteria. We observed a limited focus on functioning issues by Indian researchers. The researchers mainly rely on functional outcome measures while considering the functioning issue of LEOA. Most Western sociocultural influence outcome measures used by the studies were linked with activity limitation and participation restriction of ICF categories only. There is an urgent need for Indian researchers across professions to employ the ICF as a conceptual framework to understand and address the functioning issues associated with LEOA comprehensively.

Relationship between Helena Antipoff’s Mental Development of a Child Observation Form and The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

RESUMO: No início do século XX, intensificaram-se as pesquisas relacionadas ao desenvolvimento infantil. Helena Antipoff (1892-1974) foi uma pesquisadora e professora que dedicou seus estudos a esse tema, principalmente no que se refere ao desenvolvimento das crianças nomeadas na época como “anormais”. Um dos instrumentos elaborados por ela foi a Ficha de Observação do Desenvolvimento Mental da Criança, em 1939. A Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF), proposta pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS), sugere uma avaliação da condição do sujeito baseada nos aspectos biológicos, psíquicos e sociais, em contraposição a uma avaliação baseada somente no critério da doença ou da incapacidade. Assim sendo, o objetivo deste estudo foi resgatar a Ficha de Observação proposta por Helena Antipoff e compará-la à CIF, utilizando os guias recomendados por Alarcos Cieza e colaboradores. Os resultados apontam que a maioria dos itens da ficha puderam ser codificados e relacionados à CIF, pois os itens da ficha de Antipoff buscam também avaliar, de forma associada, funções do corpo, atividade e participação, podendo ser utilizados como instrumento de avaliação prévia da criança, devendo, ainda, serem atualizados com uma nomenclatura mais atual, baseada na nomenclatura empregada na CIF.

Understanding barriers and facilitators to long-term participation needs in children and young people following acquired brain injuries: a qualitative multi-stakeholder study.

Background This study focused on exploring the longer-term participation needs of children and young people with acquired brain injury (CYP-ABI) and their families in one region of the UK and identifying the barriers and facilitators of their participation and well-being to inform the development of a behavioural change intervention for clinical implementation. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with CYP-ABI and parents. Focus groups were created with health, education, care and charity stakeholders. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) were used to map needs, barriers and facilitators. Results A total of 10 CYP/parent dyads (n = 20) and 17 health, education, care and charity stakeholders were included in this study. Unmet participation needs were mapped to the ICF and barriers/facilitators to the BCW. Significant unmet needs impacting CYP-ABI participation and family well-being were found. Barriers spanned 'Capability', 'Opportunity' and 'Motivation', the greatest being knowledge, skills, social influences, environmental context and resources, social identity and emotion. Facilitators included increasing awareness and understanding, supporting parents, long-term access to specialist assessment and rehabilitation, peer support and integrated collaborative pathways. Conclusion The long-term impact of ABI on CYP and families' participation and well-being were significant, with barriers spanning every sector and level of society. Implementation of collaborative, cross-sector (education, health and social care) accessible and family-centred care pathways is needed to meet the long-term needs of CYP-ABI and their families, ensuring equity of access. Multi-modal, family-centred, needs-led, theory-based interventions should be co-developed with CYP, families and stakeholders to improve the health and well-being outcomes and the lives of CYP-ABI and their families.

A Living Lab for Family Centered Knowledge Exchange in Pediatric Rehabilitation and Development Research: A Study Protocol

Background Historically, the experiences and voices of children and youth living with neurodiversity or rehabilitation needs and their families have not been fully represented in health research. Formative research in this context indicates that families value learning from the experiences of other families as well as from empirical research. However, innovative systems are needed to support this imperative. In response, we co-designed a virtual living lab with families and clinicians to support family-centered knowledge exchange in neurodiversity and rehabilitation research. Living labs are collaborative, user-centered, long-term, and multimethod systems with potential to support the exchange of knowledge of lived experience. This proposal outlines a longitudinal arts-based and qualitative research study that incorporates storytelling as a powerful tool to elicit and exchange stories of lived experience through the virtual living lab, and subsequent usability testing of the platform. Methods and Analysis Stage 1- We will conduct an integrated knowledge translation study inclusive of user centered lab design and construction. Stage 2- We will conduct a 6-month longitudinal qualitative storytelling study with 30–40 participants including neurodiverse children and youth ages 5–19 years, their siblings, and parent/guardians, guided by the F-words framework which is based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Following user-registration within the virtual lab, participants will complete a minimum of 1 story monthly, accompanied by an arts-based component, for 6 months. Conclusion Findings will inform the co-development of an arts-based knowledge translation resource to communicate key findings. Stage 3- A subset of families will be sampled to complete usability testing of the living lab platform and storytelling feature using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. Usability evaluation will inform future platform refinements and provide indications of acceptability and use across subgroups.

Linking the content of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment of a reference center for the health of the elderly with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Objective: Linking the content of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) of a reference center for the health of the elderly with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and present its Basic Set of ICF codes. Method: The AGA were linked to the ICF by two specialists, trained according to the established linking rules. Agreement between the health professionals was determined based on Cohen's kappa index. Results: The agreement between the two health professionals was considered perfect for each ICF domain (k= 0.91; p<0.00; agreement= 93.32%). The AGA contained 419 items, 106 of which could not be linked to the ICF, as they were associated with health conditions or did not fit into any category. It was found that 313 were linked to the ICF domains and that 181 (60.13%) were related to body functions, 18 (5.98%) to body structures, 73 (24.258%) to activity and participation, 30 (9.97%) to environmental factors and 11 (3.51%) to personal factors. Conclusions: The ICF can be inserted in specific contexts of health services, making it feasible to link the ICF with forms prepared by the health services themselves. The correspondence between a geriatric assessment instrument and the ICF enhances case discussions, therapeutic plans and continued care. The dynamics of the care process standardized by the ICF can facilitate the expansion of care and the establishment of therapeutic goals that go beyond the context of the service and reach the family and social sphere.

Navigating Pain in Rheumatology: A Physiotherapy-Centric Review on Non-pharmacological Pain Management Strategies.

Rheumatism is a broad term for the painful afflictions of the musculoskeletal system, which include a variety of symptoms ranging from vague pain or aching to profound disability. This article explores the imperative role of physiotherapy in navigating pain within the field of rheumatology, providing a comprehensive review of non-pharmacological pain management strategies. A literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was conducted, employing keywords like "Pain," "Rheumatic disease," and "Physiotherapy," with the review emphasizing recent English studies, particularly randomized trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews over the last 10 years, to consolidate evidence on the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions for individuals with rheumatic disease. Pain, a significant challenge for individuals with rheumatic diseases, is often intense and persistent, associated with subsequent physical disability, but employing a holistic approach encompassing drugs, physical therapy, and patient education can yield substantial benefits in managing these painful conditions. In addition to pharmacological interventions, management strategies incorporate a non-pharmacological approach, encompassing rehabilitation and physical therapy in alignment with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model. The patient and physiotherapist collaborate to develop a goal-oriented treatment plan, utilizing modalities like heat, cold, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy for pain management, progressing to mobility enhancement, posture re-education, and activities focused on a range of motion and muscle strengthening.

The social dimension of quality of life following spinal cord injury or disease: an international ICF-linking study.

International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) linking study. Analyze cognitive interview data using the ICF as an analytic framework, to examine aspects of social life relevant to quality of life (QoL) according to people with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). This study builds upon results of an international study about the cross-cultural validity of the International SCI QoL Basic Data Set (QoL-BDS). Four specialized outpatient clinics in SCI/D rehabilitation, from the US, Brazil and Australia. Analysis of qualitative data from 39 cognitive interviews with SCI/D patients at least one year post onset. Participants were asked to define their concept of QoL, overall life satisfaction, physical health and psychological health, and other relevant matters. Four independent researchers coded text fragments related to the items, and fragments were linked to ICF chapters d6-d9, following established linking rules. The proportion of text referring to social life was 35.8% (definition QoL), 24.9% (QoL life as whole), 6.0% (physical health) and 34.9% (psychological health). The most frequent ICF categories were d760 Family relationships, d770 Intimate relationships and d920 Recreation and leisure. Most frequent responded social topics to the 'other issues' item were d770 Intimate relationships, d760 Formal relationships, and d870 Economic self-sufficiency. The importance of social life aspects to the QoL was highlighted based on responses of SCI/D patients, clearly demonstrated through the ICF linking process. Adding a satisfaction with social life item to the QoL-BDS has made this instrument a more comprehensive measure.

Outcome measures for adults with Down Syndrome based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Model: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Adults with Down syndrome (DS) have functional disabilities due to the extra presence of chromosome 21. Objective: To identify the functionality and disability assessment instruments used in research involving adults with DS and associate them with the components of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF). Methods: Two independent researchers analyzed articles from PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Science Direct, and Cochrane databases, including cross-sectional and clinical studies whose results involved functionality and disability for individuals with DS (≥18 years), with no publication date limit for the studies. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed by the Downs & Black Checklist; descriptive analysis was used for the results. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021234012). Results: 15 articles were analyzed in which 48 instruments were identified for the assessment of adults with DS (36.42±10.62 years); the quality of the articles was considered "good". Of these 48 instruments, 41 were associated with bodily function, 5 instruments were associated with the activity component, one instrument was associated with social participation and one instrument was associated with the environment. Conclusion: Of the 48 instruments identified to assess adults with DS, most were for the Body Function and Structure component; only the 6MWT and CAMDEX-SD have been validated for this population. LIFE-H and MQE were used to assess Social Participation and the Environment, but they cannot be considered dependable, as they have not been confirmed for individuals with DS.

SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS RESOURCING OF OLDER PEOPLE IN ASSISTED LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract Abstract This PRISMA scoping review identifies the emerging evidence on social connectedness resources preferences and priorities of older adults in assisted living facilities. The searches in this scoping review were conducted in EBSCOhost. Eight studies were included from 134 articles published in English from January 2000 – September 2022. There are 2482 older adults from 233 assisted living facilities in the USA. Results organized by themes framed in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (WHO-ICF) 1 provided evidence that older adults with or aging with or into chronic health conditions preferred facility based on community-based resources. Those from the larger enrollment assisted living facilities and limited physical mobility preferred facility-based resources more than community resources. Residents’ preferences and priorities for social connectedness in facility and community-based activities appear to serve different needs, suggesting that resident facilities should deliberately provide for social needs resources by the context of participation. Further research is needed to profile what residents preferred/prioritized in socially inclusive activities, either facility provided or community-based.

RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OF PETS IN HOME ASSESSMENTS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Abstract To support aging in place, health professionals may identify safety and accessibility concerns via home assessments. Although 50% of older adults share their homes with pets, standardized home assessments often overlook pet care, an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL). To bridge this gap in existing knowledge, we conducted four focus group sessions with older adult pet owners to identify potential elements for a novel assessment tool. We utilized directed content and thematic analysis, informed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model. Researchers recruited a purposive sample of older adults (65 years or older) who were the primary caretakers of a dog or cat. Participants (N=30) discussed age-related changes to their body’s function that hindered their participation in pet care activities (e.g., the strength needed to pick up a pet). Participants explained how the interaction of their pets and housing features (e.g., stairs) contributed to falls and injuries. Further, personal factors (e.g., restricted income) may contribute to home safety issues (e.g., unable to afford needed modifications). The results indicate that pets’ behavior, care needs, and caregiving activities may impact home safety, thereby influencing the potential for aging in place. Findings support the development of holistic approaches when evaluating older adults’ functioning in their homes and emphasize the importance of pet care within home assessments.

HEALTH PROFILE OF PORTUGUESE CENTENARIANS FROM 2011 TO 2021: AN UPDATE BASED ON NATIONAL CENSUS

Abstract According to the Portuguese National Census, the number of centenarians increased from 1526 (82.1% women) in 2011 to 2801 (82.0% women) in 2021. Along with a description of main sociodemographic characteristics, this paper provides an updated health profile of this population based on their perceived difficulties in six functional domains of basic actions (seeing, hearing, walking, cognition, self-care, and communication) as assessed by a set of questions developed by the Washington Group on Disability Statistics that is consistent with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Sex differences are also presented, as well as comparisons between data from Census 2011 and Census 2021. Most centenarians show major constraints in their mobility and personal care (76.3% cannot/have great difficulties in walking/climbing stairs, and 72.8% cannot/have great difficulties in bathing/dressing), and a better outcome is reported in communication (64.2% report no/reduced difficulty for understanding/being understood). This profile globally follows the pattern observed in 2011, but with fewer centenarians reporting such level of difficulties. The percentage of centenarians reporting no/reduced difficulties in seeing and hearing increased from 32.6% and 27.7% in 2011, to 54.4% and 44.8% in 2021, respectively. In both censuses, women presented a higher percentage of difficulties in all health-related variables. Globally, this comparative perspective shows improvements in the perceived health profile of the later born cohort of Portuguese centenarians and features the continued need for addressing gender-specific and gender-sensitive interventions that acknowledge older women’s care needs.

AN ICF CORE SET BASED INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF GROSS MOTOR FUNCTIONS ON HEALTH IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Purpose: The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is commonly used to assess gross motor functions in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between gross motor function and health status in children with CP based on clinical types and functional levels. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 75 children with CP (mean age ± SD 7.59 ±3.86 years). The 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) was used to measure the gross motor functions of children. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) CP Core Set was used to assess the general health status of children including body functions and structures, activity and participation, and environmental factors for obtaining a holistic framework. Results: Of the children, 61 (81.3%) were spastic and 14 (18.7%) were dyskinetic. Children were divided into 3 groups based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level as mild (levels 1-2, n=28), moderate (level 3, n=16), and severe (levels 4-5, n=31). The GMFM-66 had moderate to strong correlations with body functions and structures (r=-0.811, p