Using the ICF to develop the capability-oriented database of persons with disabilities: a case study in Nakornpanom province, Thailand

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to determine functioning information, rehabilitation needs, and environmental barriers of persons with disabilities (PWDs) using a developed ICF-based questionnaire with community survey approach in Thailand. Method: A systematic review of the use of ICF and disability surveys from January 2000– June 2010 was undertaken. A questionnaire was then developed and tested in two pilot studies before using in a face-to-face interview conducted with legally registered PWDs in Nakornpanom province. Forty-six ICF codes were used in the questionnaire; two second-level codes in body functions, 18 second-level and six third-level codes in activities & participation and 14 second-level and six third-level codes in environmental factors. Each code had 2–6 qualifiers. Results: One thousand and seven PWDs (56.6% male, mean age = 48.4 ± 0.64 years) were interviewed by 16 trained-interviewers. Interview duration was approximately 17 min. The functioning profile could be revealed for both individual and population. These reflected the need for rehabilitation. Several cut-off points to identify “disabled persons” were offered. Regarding participation, PWDs were concerned more about environmental barriers. One-fourth of PWDs needed home environment adaptation, almost 13% were uneducated and 23% had limited chance to participate in social activities. Conclusions: ICF framework and codes can be used to develop a questionnaire to measure population functioning profile and rehabilitation needs of PWDs by community survey. Results can be used to develop a capability-oriented disability database to identify prevalence of disabilities and rehabilitation needs. Policy makers may use this database to plan, monitor and evaluate rehabilitation service programs and removal of environmental barriers.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Capacity-oriented database of person with disabilities (PWDs) can be developed using ICF concept and codes

• It is shown in the database that, to some extent, PWDs in community are uneducated, have limited chance to participate in social activities, need home adaptation and have some concerns about environmental barriers

• The findings can be used to guide policy makers to plan, monitor, evaluate and allocate resources to rehabilitation services

Keywords::

• ICF
• persons with disabilities
• database
• Thailand

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank all participants and their family members, interviewers, and field coordinators for their helps in the interview.

Declaration of Interest: This study was supported by the Institute of Health Promotion for People with Disabilities, Health Systems Research Institute and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Thailand.

Appendix 1 The questionnaire

Part 1 Type of disability.

Table

Part 2 Self-care.

Table

Part 3 Mobility.

Table

3.3 Please indicate what modifications you have done (e155).

3.4 If you cannot have your house modified, why? (you can choose more than one choice).

Table

3.5 What modifications would you like to do? (you can choose more than one choice) (e1501)

Table

Part 4 Education.

Table

4.2 Highest education attainment before having disabilities.

Table

4.3 What kinds of help would you like to have for going back to school after having disabilities? (you can choose more than one choice).

Table

Part 5 Employment.

Table

5.2 Why you are unemployed? (you can choose more than 1 choice).

Table

5.3 To help you with going for work, what helps would you like to have? (you can choose more than 1 choice).

Table

Part 6 Social activities participation.

Table

6.3 Why do you unable to participate in any social activities?

Table

6.4 To help you with going out for a social activity, what helps would you like to have? (you can choose more than 1 choice).

Table

Part 7 Benefits.

Table

Time stop ___________________