Assessment of activity limitation and participation restriction of PLHAs with reference to the international classification of functioning, disability and health

Abstract

Background: There are limited studies from India on use of ICF in finding out the Disability experienced by PLHIV. We undertook this study to understand the level of disability experienced by the PLHIV attending tertiary healthcare setting. This study mainly focuses on the self-care domain of ICF classification.Methods: Cross sectional, hospital based, conducted with permission from institutional ethics committee. Predesigned standardised ICF questionnaire, with only self care part of it was administered and participants assessed for activity limitation and participation restriction domains of self care.Results: Inactivity limitation block, with regards to washing oneself, caring for body parts and dressing none reported any problem. In regulating menstruation 15 (6.67%) had moderate, 15 (6.67%) had severe and 3 (1.33%) had complete problem while 67 (29.67%) had no problem. In participation restriction, it was observed that participants had difficulties in regulating defecation 47 (20.8%) moderate, 33 (14.66%) severe, 9 (4%) mild whereas 6 (2.67%) complete problem. Overall prevalence was 42.67%. in block of participation restriction, on performance qualifier, overall 149 (66.67%) had problem in eating, 77 (34.22%) had moderate, 36 (16%) severe, 34 (15.1%) had mild and 3 (1.33%) had complete problem. In drinking overall 29.78% participants experienced problems, out of which 31 (13.7%) had moderate, 23 (10.22%) mild 12 (5.33%) and 1 (0.44%) had complete problem.Conclusions: Significant amount of activity limitation in self care observed with reference to toileting, eating drinking. Hence, this parameters to be stressed on in planning National program on AIDS.