International Classification Of Functioning Research Articles

IMBA-ICF linking by integrating consensus methods: How group consensus of experts can contribute to in-depth linking of instruments to the ICF.

A frame of reference is needed to increase the comparability of vocational rehabilitation assessment instruments and the interpretation of their results. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a relevant framework, and when linking rules are used, items from existing assessment instruments can be linked to the appropriate categories as described in the ICF. To develop an adapted linking methodology in which experts are involved by means of the application of consensus methods and to transfer this result in a step-by-step set of guidelines, supporting researchers and professionals, linking complex instruments to the ICF. The main researcher developed the initial linking of the Integration von Menschen mit Behinderungen in die Arbeitswelt (IMBA) to the ICF by rigorously applying the refined ICF linking rules. To validate this linking, the Delphi and nominal group technique was integrated through different steps, and experts were involved in the process. The method section describes the linking process chronologically with focuses on the used approach, the involvement of experts, and the processing of the output. The results are presented in a 7-step set of guidelines describing the chronological process from the initial to the validated linking. These guidelines describe the core elements in the application of the linking rules and consensus methods in a manual for researchers who are interested in linking complex instruments to the ICF by involving experts. The Delphi and nominal group technique can be successfully integrated in the linking process, making it possible to involve experts in linking complex instruments to the ICF. A homogeneous composition of the expert panel in terms of knowledge, a heterogeneous composition in terms of setting, a rigorous and repeated application of the linking rules, and structured processing of the output are essential to achieve a valid linking.

High-Intensity Functional Training: Perceived Functional and Psychosocial Health-Related Outcomes from Current Participants with Mobility-Related Disabilities.

People with mobility-related disabilities (MRDs) experience many personal and environmental barriers to engagement in community-based exercise programs. We explored the experiences of adults with MRD who currently participate in high-intensity functional training (HIFT), an inclusive and accessible community-based exercise program. Thirty-eight participants completed online surveys with open-ended questions, with ten individuals also participating in semi-structured interviews via telephone with project PI. Surveys and interviews were designed to examine changes to perceived health, and the elements of HIFT that promote sustained participation. Thematic analysis revealed themes related to health changes following HIFT participation including improved physical, functional, and psychosocial health outcomes. Other themes emerged within the HIFT environment that promoted adherence for participants such as accessible spaces and equipment, and inclusive HIFT sessions and competitions. Additional themes included participants' advice for the disability and healthcare communities. The resulting themes are informed by the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. The findings provide initial data on the potential effects of HIFT on multiple dimensions of health outcomes and contribute to the growing literature on community-based programs that are adaptable and inclusive for people with MRD.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ) into Danish.

This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the work rehabilitation questionnaire (WORQ) into Danish to examine the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Danish WORQ and, second, to test the feasibility of WORQ in the Danish context of vocational rehabilitation. The translation was performed in a dual-panel approach. The panel consisted of a bilingual physician, a university student in psychology, a layperson, a specialist in social work and rehabilitation, and a professor in social medicine. The international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF) codes were cross-evaluated to secure that there was a high level of agreement of ICF codes for each specific WORQ item in the Danish and English version. The content validity was evaluated by the clinical physicians at an outpatient clinic in social medicine and by the case managers at a municipality job center. Data for the examination of the internal consistency and test-retest reliability were collected at the Holbæk municipality from citizens in the working age. The test-retest took place 14 days apart. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were tested conducting Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation, and Spearman's correlation analyses. The panel experienced only minor challenges in the translation process, leading to minor modifications. The cross-evaluation of coding in the Danish WORQ compared with the initial English version only found small deviations, while the remaining coding agreed between the initial English and the Danish items. The panel argued to add sub-codes to culturally adapt to the transportation forms generally used in Denmark. The general perception among the participating patients and citizens at the job center as well as the clinical physicians and case managers was that the WORQ was easy, understandable, and meaningful. This study showed that the Danish WORQ have a high content validity and usability. Nonetheless, the Danish WORQ needs to be validated against well-acknowledged tools for assessing functional ability specific to work and in general.

Global COVID-19 childhood disability data coordination: A collaborative initiative of the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability.

The International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability created a COVID-19 Task Force with the goal of understanding the global impact of COVID-19 on children with disabilities and their families. The aim of this paper is to synthesize existing evidence describing the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities, derived from surveys conducted across the globe. A descriptive environmental scan of surveys was conducted. From June to November 2020, a global call for surveys addressing the impact of COVID-19 on disability was launched. To identify gaps and overlaps, the content of the surveys was compared to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Forty-nine surveys, involving information from more than 17,230 participants around the world were collected. Overall, surveys identified that COVID-19 has negatively impacted several areas of functioning - including mental health, and human rights of people with disabilities and their families worldwide. Globally, the surveys highlight that impact of COVID-19 on mental health of people with disabilities, caregivers, and professionals continues to be a major issue. Rapid dissemination of collected information is essential for ameliorating the impact of COVID-19 across the globe.

A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF THE THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGES OF 16 FITBONE INTRAMEDULLARY FEMORAL LENGTHENINGS COMPLETED AT SHEFFIELD CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL BETWEEN 2021 AND 2022

IntroductionAt Sheffield Children's Hospital, treatment of leg length discrepancy is a common procedure. Historically, this has been done with external fixators. With the development in intramedullary technology, internal nails have become the preferred modality for long bone lengthening in the adolescent population. However, it is important to review whether this technology practically reduces the known challenges seen and if it brings any new issues. Therefore, the aim of this review is to retrospectively evaluate the therapeutic challenges of 16 fit-bone intramedullary femoral lengthening's at Sheffield Children's Hospital between 2021–2022.Materials & MethodsThe international classification of function (ICF) framework was used to differentiate outcomes. The patient's therapy notes were retrospectively reviewed for themes around structural, activity and participation limitation. The findings were grouped for analysis and the main themes presented.ResultsThere were 8 males, mean age 17.4 years (range 17–18) and 8 females, mean age 15.9 years (range 14–18). 5 right and 11 left femurs were lengthened. Underlying pathology varied amongst the 16 patients. All patients went into a hinged knee brace post operatively. Structural limitations included: pain, fixed flexion deformity of the knee, loss of knee flexion, quadriceps muscle lag, muscle spasms and gluteal weakness. The primary activity limitation was reduced weight bearing with altered gait pattern. Participation limitations included reduced school attendance and involvement in activities with peers. Access to Physiotherapy from local services varied dramatically. Five of the cohort have completed treatment.ConclusionsAnecdotally, intramedullary femoral lengthening nails have perceived benefits for families compared to external fixators in the adolescent population. However, there remain musculoskeletal and psychosocial outcomes requiring therapeutic management throughout the lengthening process and beyond. Therefore, quantifying these outcomes is essential for measuring the impact on each patient for comparison. To interpret these themes, we need to evaluate the outcomes objectively, this was not done consistently in this review. Future research should look at outcome measures that are sensitive to all aspects of the ICF. With an aim of improving the therapeutic treatment provided and the overall outcome for the children treated.

LIMBDREAM: THE LIMB RECONSTRUCTION REGISTRY OF EXPERIENCE, ASPIRATION, AND MEASURES

IntroductionPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has gained momentum in the orthopaedic literature. The GOAL-LD (Gait Outcomes Assessment List for Limb Deformity) incorporates the framework of The WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and correlates highly with the Paediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) when applied in a limb reconstruction setting. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia, supported by The University of Melbourne is designing and implementing a Limb Reconstruction Registry, prospectively enrolling patients with a number of key conditions and provide a mechanism for capturing surgical data and PROMs at regular follow-up intervals. LimbDREAM (The Limb Reconstruction Registry of Experience, Aspiration and Measures) has begun recruiting participants, and this paper serves as a narrative review of our design and implementation process.Materials & MethodsAfter provision of a research grant, audit was conducted to examine local case mix and estimate recruitment based on conditions selected. Literature review was focussed on (i) registries in the paediatric limb reconstruction domain and (ii) use of PROMs across conditions selected. A high-level process-flow chart was constructed in order to inform governance and staffing requirements in addition to REDCap Database structure. Local as well as scalable deployment was considered. Alpha and beta testing was performed by principal and associate investigators prior to participant recruitment.ResultsAudit identified 6 condition streams for inclusion: Congenital limb deficiencies, congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, bone dysplasias, bone tumours, amputation, and complex deformity of other etiology. Literature review identified 20 PROMs used across these conditions, with limited validation studies and significant implementation heterogeneity. REDCap database design took longer than anticipated (planned 10 months, actual 18 months) before being recruitment ready, due to the complexity of ensuring data collection logic would work across highly diverse patient journeys. Initial recruitment across all streams has been promising. Email and text message reminders have proved helpful in increasing survey return rates.ConclusionsProspective collection of PROMs as well as surgical data via a standardized dataset will provide the basis for future condition-specific research, with the ability to support nested trials. Implementation requires forethought with regard to time frames and staffing for non-automated steps as well as data integrity review. The next phase of the LimbDREAM project will be to integrate use of the Registry into our weekly Limb Reconstruction Meeting to ensure that operative plans and data are captured close to the point of care.

The human functioning revolution: implications for health systems and sciences

The World Health Organization (WHO) concept of human functioning represents a new way of thinking about health that has wide-ranging consequences. This article explicates this paradigm shift, illustrates its potential impact, and argues that societies can profit by implementing functioning as the third indicator of health, complementing morbidity and mortality. Human functioning integrates biological health (the bodily functions and structures that constitute a person’s intrinsic health capacity) and lived health (a person’s actual performance of activities in interaction with their environment). It is key to valuing health both in relation to individual well-being and societal welfare—operationalizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 principle that health is a public good. Implementing functioning as defined and conceptualized in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) could profoundly benefit practices, research, education, and policy across health systems and health strategies and help integrate health and social systems. It also offers a foundation for reconceptualizing multidisciplinary health sciences and for augmenting epidemiology with information derived from peoples’ lived experiences of health. A new interdisciplinary science field—human functioning sciences—itself holds the promise to integrate research inputs and methods from diverse biomedical and social disciplines to provide a more comprehensive understanding of human health. To realize these opportunities, we must address formidable methodological, implementation, and communication challenges throughout health systems and broader society. This endeavor is vital to orientate health systems toward what matters most to people about health, to unlock the societal economic investment in health that is essential for individual and population-level well-being, and to drive progress toward achieving the SDGs.

Relation of environmental factors with activity limitations and participation restrictions in older adults with diabetes mellitus over time: an international classification of functioning framework perspective

BackgroundActivity limitations and participation restrictions were observed in patients with diabetes, which may impact their quality of life. Environmental factors such as seasonal effects, resources and perceived stress may play important role in activity limitations and participation restrictions. In this study, a variant of International Classification of Functioning (ICF) model was used to clarify the associations of function/structure factors, personal factors and environmental factors with activity limitations and participation restrictions.MethodsThis was a longitudinal design with 1 year follow-up. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale- short form, Perceived Stress Scale, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living assessments were measured at 3-month intervals for long-term follow-up in 110 patients with diabetes aged ≥ 65 years.ResultsHierarchical linear regression models revealed that age (p = 0.001), perceived health status, MMSE scores (p < 0.01), and positive perceived stress (p < 0.001) were predictors of activity limitations (adjusted R2 = 53%). GDS-S (p < 0.05) and positive perceived stress (p < 0.01) were predictors of participation restrictions (adjusted R2 = 30%). Generalized estimating equation analysis indicated that seasonal effects, age, perceived health status, MMSE predicted the changes of slopes in activity limitations. Seasonal effects and GDS-S were predictors of the changes of slopes for participation restrictions (all p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe ICF can be used to identify the risk factors for activity limitations and participation restrictions in older adults with diabetes. Practitioners should provide individualized interventions with consideration of these risk factors.

Hidden in plain sight: A qualitative exploration of teachers and children’s perspectives on supporting developmental language disorder in school

BACKGROUND: Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a difficulty learning, understanding, and using spoken language with lifelong implications for education and well-being. Teachers play a key role in the identification of DLD, in referring children to speech and language therapy services, and in the delivery of supports in school. Research suggests that school staff may benefit from health promotion interventions to increase their awareness and understanding of the condition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the awareness and understanding of teachers and children about DLD and how these needs can be met in school to inform the development of a locally- responsive health promotion DLD intervention. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with children with DLD (n = 7), and focus groups were held with classroom teachers (n = 7) in schools serving populations of high socioeconomic need using a narrative inquiry approach. A framework analysis was undertaken using the International Classification of Functioning (ICF). RESULTS: Teachers reportedly continue to use a variety of diagnostic terms when describing DLD. All stakeholders discussed the importance of the teacher’s role in making the necessary classroom adjustments to enable children with DLD to achieve and participate. Children provided some practical suggestions regarding how their needs can be met in the classroom. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings highlight the important contextual insights that teachers and children can provide to inform the development of locally responsive, health promotion interventions aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge and actions related to DLD in school.

Environmental determinants for participation among stroke survivors in Africa, a scoping review.

In this review, we aimed to determine the environmental factors that are influencing the participation of stroke survivors in Africa. Four electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to August 2021, and identified articles were screened by the two authors of this review based on predetermined criteria. No date restrictions were imposed, and we included any type of paper, including gray literature. We followed the scoping review framework by Arksey and O'Malley, which was later revised by Levac et al. The whole finding is reported using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A total of 584 articles were generated by the systematic search, and one article was added manually. After eliminating the duplicates, the titles and abstracts of 498 articles were screened. From the screening, 51 articles were selected for full article review, of which 13 met the criteria to be included. In total, 13 articles were reviewed and analyzed based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF) framework of the environmental determinants. Products and technology; natural environment and human-made changes to environment; and services, systems, and policies were found to be barriers for stroke survivors to participate in their community. Conversely, stroke survivors are getting good support from their immediate family and health professionals. This scoping review sought to identify the environmental barriers and the facilitators that are determining the participation of stroke survivors in Africa. The results of this study can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, urban planners, health professionals, and other stakeholders involved in disability and rehabilitation. Nonetheless, additional research is necessary to validate the identified facilitators and barriers.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Accuracy in Aquatic Activities Reports among Children with Developmental Delay.

Functioning, as described in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), increasingly raises interest in the world of child rehabilitation, especially because its application empowers patients and parents by not putting the emphasis on disability in terms of the medical diagnosis but on the person's lived experience and the level of functioning that might be achieved. However, this requires the correct understanding and application of the ICF framework to overcome differences in the often locally used models or the understanding of disability, including mental aspects. To evaluate the level of accurate use and understanding of the ICF, a survey was performed on studies of aquatic activities in children aged 6-12 with developmental delay published between the years 2010 and 2020. In the evaluation, 92 articles were found that matched the initial keywords (aquatic activities and children with developmental delay). Surprisingly, 81 articles were excluded for not referring to the ICF model at all. The evaluation was performed by methodological critical reading according to the ICF reporting criteria. The conclusion of this review is that despite the rising awareness in the field of AA, the ICF is used inaccurately and often not according to the model's biopsychosocial principles. For the ICF to become a guiding tool in evaluations and goal-setting for aquatic activity, the level of knowledge and understanding of the framework and language needs to be increased via curricula and studies on the effect of interventions on children with developmental delay. Even more so, the level of understanding on how to apply functioning among instructors and researchers working in the aquatic environment needs to be increased.

A nursing care-sensitive patient satisfaction measure in older patients

As a novelty, this article proposes the empirical operationalization of an indicator sensitive to nursing care called patient satisfaction based on functional capacity and quality of life assessments. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample of 351 individuals aged 65 and older residing in the community. Data acquisition was performed using the structured interview method, employing a core set of 25 codes taken from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health and the WHOQOL-BREF instrument of the World Health Organization. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to infer the reliability and construct validity of the proposed model, involving three latent factors: functional capacity, quality of life, and patient satisfaction with nursing care received. The proposed model showed good reliability and construct validity, although it failed regarding discriminant validity between latent factors. The greatest statistically significant predictor of the patient satisfaction latent factor was the quality of life latent factor (beta =0.89;p<0.001), followed by the functional capacity latent factor (beta =-0.77;p<0.001). The findings seem to suggest that patient satisfaction is an indicator that may be quantitatively measurable, with functional capacity and quality of life considered very significant predictors of patient satisfaction with the nursing care experience.

Effectiveness of interventions for school-aged-children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose To describe allied health and educational interventions and their effectiveness for children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). To appraise the quality and strength of studies. Methods Electronic databases were searched between 2005 and March 2022, identifying non-pharmacological studies supporting function, activity, or participation for FASD participants aged 5–18 years using any quantitative research design. Outcomes were coded using International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, family of Participation Related Constructs and behaviour categories. Multi-level random-effects meta-analysis examined intervention effects. Study methodological quality was evaluated using Cochrane risk of bias tools, RoBiNT, AMSTAR 2 and NHMRC Hierarchy levels of evidence. Certainty of findings were synthesised using GRADE approach. Results The systematic review included 25 studies with 735 participants, 10 of which were analysed by meta-analysis. Body function and structure, activity, behaviour, and sense of self outcomes were pooled. A small, positive effect favouring interventions was found (g = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.15–0.43), however the GRADE certainty was rated as low. No participation outcomes were identified. Conclusions Some interventions targeting body function and structure, activity and behaviour outcomes were effective. Evidence of interventions that support children’s and adolescent’s participation as an outcome is lacking.

Effect and safety of C7 neurotomy at the intervertebral foramen in patients with chronic poststroke aphasia: a multicentre, randomised, controlled study protocol

IntroductionAphasia affects many stroke survivors; therefore, effective treatments are urgently needed. Preliminary clinical findings have suggested an association between contralateral C7–C7 cross nerve transfer and recovery from chronic aphasia. Randomised...

Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor function in children with acquired brain injury: a scoping review protocol

BackgroundChildren with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) require early and effective neurorehabilitation provision to promote a good long-term functional outcome. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to improve motor...

Holistic rehabilitation of cochlear implant users: using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

BackgroundThe purpose of this article is to propose how the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), particularly the ICF core sets for hearing loss, can be used to plan and evaluate the holistic (re)habilitation of cochlear implant recipients.Material and methodsThe opinions of HearRing experts were gathered on what – based on their clinical experience – are the most relevant ICF categories and codes to describe audiological rehabilitation after cochlear implantation. For each ICF category, the most commonly used audiological assessment tools and methods were identified.ResultsThe most relevant codes for &lt;i&gt;Body functions and structures&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Activities and Participation&lt;/i&gt; as well as &lt;i&gt;Environmental factors were identified&lt;/i&gt;. These were the following. &lt;i&gt;Body structures&lt;/i&gt;: structure of the inner ear (s260), auditory nerve (s260), brainstem (s1105), midbrain (s1101), diencephalon (s1102), and cortical lobe (s110). &lt;i&gt;Hearing functions&lt;/i&gt;: sound detection (b2300), sound discrimination (b2301), localization of sound source (b2302), lateralization of sound (b2303), and speech discrimination (b2304). &lt;i&gt;Activities and participation&lt;/i&gt;: listening (d115); communicating with (receiving) spoken messages (d310); handling stress and other psychological demands (d240); using communication devices and techniques (d360); conversation (d350); family relationships (d760); school education (d820); paid employment (d850); and community life (d910). &lt;i&gt;Environmental factors&lt;/i&gt;: sounds (e250), products and technology for communication (e125), immediate family (e310), attitudes of immediate family members (e410), societal attitudes (e460), health professionals (e355), and health services, systems, and policies (e580).ConclusionsUsing the ICF can help target the holistic (re)habilitation of cochlear implant recipients. By providing a common language, it can enable clearer communication across disciplines, and closer comparison between different studies, which is essential for meta-analyses.

Adherence to exercise therapy among children and adolescents with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a scoping review

Purpose To identify parameters and measurement methods of exercise therapy adherence, as well as barriers and facilitators affecting adherence among children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods Studies were eligible for inclusion if patients were 0–18 years of age, had JIA, and the focus of the research was on exercise therapy patterns, measurement/parameters of exercise adherence, and barriers/facilitators for exercise adherence. Two reviewers independently identified and categorized the barriers and facilitators to exercise therapy adherence using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Results Twenty articles were included in this review. Among patients with JIA, 29%–99% adhered to exercise therapy. The most commonly measured parameters of adherence were session completion and behavior component, with a self-report log serving as the most common means of assessment. Time pressure, symptoms related to JIA, lack of enjoyment, and insufficient motivation were the main barriers. Facilitators were commonly identified as adequate motivation, effective symptoms management, and social support. Conclusions Future interventions should consider the identified factors to promote exercise engagement in children and adolescents with JIA. Strategies for promoting exercise adherence in children and adolescents with JIA is needed.

Neurophysiological and Clinical Effects of Upper Limb Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation on Motor Recovery in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Study Protocol.

The efficacy of upper limb (UL) robot-assisted therapy (RAT) on functional improvement after stroke remains unclear. However, recently published randomized controlled trials have supported its potential benefits in enhancing the activities of daily living, arm and hand function, and muscle strength. Task-specific and high-intensity exercises are key points in facilitating motor re-learning in neurorehabilitation since RAT can provide an assisted-as-needed approach. This study aims to investigate the clinical effects of an exoskeleton robotic system for UL rehabilitation compared with conventional therapy (CT) in people with subacute stroke. As a secondary aim, we seek to identify patients' characteristics, which can predict better recovery after UL-RAT and detects whether it could elicit greater brain stimulation. A total of 84 subacute stroke patients will be recruited from 7 Italian rehabilitation centers over 3 years. The patients will be randomly allocated to either CT (control group, CG) or CT plus UL-RT through an Armeo®Power (Hocoma AG, CH, Volketswil, Switzerland) exoskeleton (experimental group, EG). A sample stratification based on distance since onset, DSO (DSO ≤ 30; DSO > 30), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FM)-UL (FM-UL ≤ 22; 22 < FM-UL ≤ 44) will be considered for the randomization. The outcomes will be recorded at baseline (T0), after 25 + 3 sessions of intervention (T1), and at 6 months post-stroke (T2). The motor functioning assessed by the FM-UL (0-66) will be considered the primary outcome. The clinical assessments will be set based on the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF). A patient satisfaction questionnaire will be evaluated in the EG at T1. A subgroup of patients will be evaluated at T0 and T1 via electroencephalography. Their brain electrical activity will be recorded during rest conditions with their eyes closed and open (5 min each). The results of this trial will provide an in-depth understanding of the efficacy of early UL-RAT through a whole arm exoskeleton and how it may relate to the neural plasticity process. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov with the registration identifier NCT04697368.

Impairments following COVID-19 infection: manifestations and investigations of related factors

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major global impact on the health and wellbeing for many individuals. Even though the infection rates have gone down due to the availability of vaccines, the consequences of the disease are still present due to persistent symptoms among individuals. The aim of the current study was to map long‐term impairments in individuals infected with COVID-19 by applying the framework of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and also investigate the factors related to the context of an individual’s life influencing the impairments. A web-survey that targeted individuals that had been infected with COVID-19 was used. The survey included a range of measures covering contextual factors and factors related to body functions and structures and post-COVID impairments. A total of 501 individuals were included in the study (with a mean age of 47.6 years). 96% of the respondents reported at least one moderate-to-severe impairment due to COVID-19 infection and the most frequent one was fatigue. In that, 79.6% and 86.9% of the study sample reported moderate-to-severe brain fatigue and tiredness or lack of energy, respectively. Severity of COVID-19 infection appeared as the strongest risk factor for post-COVID impairments. Based on the results, interventions can be tailored to help individuals with post-COVID-19 condition. This could be one way lessening the effect of COVID-19 on health care and society as a whole.

Predicting Depression in Older Adults after the COVID-19 Pandemic Using ICF Model.

This study aimed to test a predictive model for depression in older adults in the community after the COVID-19 pandemic and identify influencing factors using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The subjects of this study were 9920 older adults in South Korean local communities. The analysis results of path analysis and bootstrapping analysis revealed that subjective health status, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), number of chronic diseases, social support satisfaction, household economic level, informal support, and participation in social groups were factors directly influencing depression, while formal support, age, gender, education level, employment status, and participation in social groups were factors indirectly affecting it. It will be needed to prepare measures to prevent depression in older adults during an infectious disease pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the results of this study.