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BackgroundAccording to the Classification and Catalogue of Occupational Diseases, brucellosis is one of the notifiable occupational infectious diseases, which occurs from time to time in the occupational population. ObjectiveTo compare the work-related injury appraisal process and results of 13 cases of brucellosis at both provincial and municipal levels, analyze and summarize the bias in the practical work of labor capacity identification for occupational diseases such as brucellosis by appraisal management departments and experts, and propose suggestions for optimizing appraisal work. MethodsA comparative study was conducted on the objective examination results and labor capacity appraisal conclusions based on the occupational contact history, clinical diagnosis, occupational disease diagnosis staging, and labor capacity appraisal of 13 patients with brucellosis. The reasons for the inconsistency between the initial appraisal conclusion by institutions at the municipal level and the final appraisal conclusion by institutions at the provincial level were compared and analyzed. ResultsAll of the 13 patients with brucellosis applied for municipal-level labor capacity identification after being identified as work-related injuries, 11 of which did not receive a disability level, and 2 were rated as level 10 disability. Four of those who did not receive the disability rate applied for provincial-level labor capacity identification. As a result, 2 cases were maintained original appraisal conclusions, while the other 2 changed the conclusions to level 9 disability and level 10 disability respectively. It was the first time in Shijiangzhuang municipal-level primary labor capacity appraisal and Hebei provincial-level labor capacity re-appraisal that the work-related injury caused by occupational brucellosis was rated as level 9 disability or level 10 disability. Hence, the lessons learned from this comparative analysis are that the degree of target organ damage and (or) organ dysfunction are the direct basis for work-related injury appraisal; an objective and scientific labor capacity identification for occupational brucellosis should base on the each case of disability evaluation, identify the relevant target organ damage and the degree of dysfunction, and rate the disability level after a comprehensive appraisal.ConclusionThis analysis would be a guidance to the identification of labor capacity for occupational brucellosis in Hebei Province and the whole country. There is a hysteresis issue in the occupational disease provisions in the national standard GB/T 16180—2014 Standard for identify work ability—Gradation of disability caused by work-related injuries and occupatiaonal diseases. In current situation, appraisal experts should not only search for clauses that directly correspond to the occupational diseases and injuries, but also target conditions not covered in the clauses and conduct assessment based on the characteristics of occupational diseases, with scientific, accurate, and flexible application of the clauses in the standard and appendix, so as to make fair, just, and professional appraisal conclusions.

Background: In the previous research, the Disability Assessment Scale based on ICF had been constructed for LTC insurance in China. To apply this scale in further studies, it is essential to establish assessment standards for disability levels. Objective: To establish standardized disability classification criteria and identify the disability statuses and levels in older people. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, in which 1,610 older individuals in 15 long-term care institutions in China were assessed by the disability assessment scale based on ICF. Cluster analysis was used for classification of the disability levels. Mean (SD) and median (IQR) were used to describe the scores for each item and each dimension. Results: The total scores of the disability assessment scale were classified into six disability levels. The overall disability level of the 1,610 participants was moderate-to-severe. The disability in the dimension of "self-care ability and activity" was the most obvious and severe. Conclusion: The Disability Assessment Scale is capable of identifying disability statuses and levels of older people, and it can serve as a valuable tool for investigating the disabilities among old people and for conducting crossnational comparisons of disability levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionsTrunk control is significant for a quality movement. Trunk control is reduced in people with Multiple Sclerosis compared to healthy individuals.The study aims to compare trunk control in people with Multiple Sclerosis according to disability level and to examine the relationship between disability level and trunk control.A total of one hundred-two people with Multiple Sclerosis were included in the study. The disability level was recorded with the Expanded Disability Status Scale score. Trunk control was evaluated with the Trunk Impairment Scale and core stability tests. Additionally, people with Multiple Sclerosis were divided into subgroups according to their disability levels (Expanded Disability Status Scale ≤ 3 and ≥ 3.5).Trunk Impairment Scale scores and core stability test results were statistically significantly lower in the group of people with Multiple Sclerosis with a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score (3.5–6.5) than in the group with a lower Expanded Disability Status Scale score (1–3) (p = 0.001). A correlation was found between the level of disability and all parameters of trunk control in the total sample (p = 0.001). A significant relationship was detected between the disability level and most trunk control parameters in the Expanded Disability Status Scale ≤ 3 and ≥ 3.5 subgroups (p < 0.05).As the level of disability increases in people with Multiple Sclerosis, trunk control decreases, suggesting that care should be taken regarding trunk control during the progression of the disease. Evaluation of trunk control will be guiding when creating treatment programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar region resulting in low back pain is high. One of the treatment options is neurosurgery. Previous studies and systematic reviews demonstrate the need to identify factors that affect the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing surgery. This study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors that affect the quality of life of patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery. A group of 128 patients was assessed for eligibility and qualified by radiological examinations for lumbar disc surgery by a neurosurgeon in the outpatient clinic. Finally, 110 patients were studied and evaluated 24 h and 3 months after surgery. Health-related quality of life (36-Item Short Form Survey, SF-36), disability level (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), and pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) were assessed. The mean pain intensity before surgery was 7.8 ± 2.3 pts and decreased significantly 24 h after surgery, with a mean score of 3.8 ± 2.4 pts (p = 0.0000). After three months, the increase in pain intensity was at 4.8 ± 2.4 pts, but the score was still significantly better than before surgery (p = 0.0024). The mean ODI score before surgery was 29.3 ± 8.4 pts (slight disability), and three months after surgery, there was an insignificant increase to a mean value of 31.5 ± 10.4 pts (p = 0.0834). There was a statistically significant increase in quality-of-life scores at three months after surgery in the following domains: physical functioning (8.7%; p = 0.0176), bodily pain (26.2%; p = 0.0000), vitality (5.8%; p = 0.0132) and mental health (6.2%; p = 0.0163), and a decrease in role limitations due to physical problems (3.8; p = 0.0013) and general health perception (6.7%; p = 0.0112). In conclusion, the surgical procedure plays an important role in improving the quality of life of patients operated on for intervertebral disc degeneration. It was effective in reducing the pain level, especially 24 h after surgery; however, surgery did not affect the disability level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population is relatively clear. Our previous study showed that elderly individuals who are physically disabled are more likely to experience kidney function impairment, and the main purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with CKD in elderly patients with physical disabilities. Methods A total of 2679 elderly individuals with physical disabilities from the 2018 Shanghai Disability Health Survey were screened to calculate the prevalence of CKD. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with CKD. Detailed subgroup analyses of disability level were also conducted. Results We confirmed CKD in 287 of 2679 (10.7%) participants. Female sex, age, history of hypertension, red blood cell count, albumin, urea, and uric acid (UA) were independently correlated with CKD. Age and UA abnormalities were common risk factors for different levels of disabilities. Conclusion The prevalence of CKD is higher in the mild level of older physically handicapped individuals. Age and the level of UA should also be considered in this population. The preventive strategies for patients with two levels of elderly disability should have different focuses.

Background: Disability among the geriatric population is a major health issue. Assessment of disability among the elderly population is useful in terms of identifying the needs, setting priorities, and allocating resources. Purpose: To assess the disability level among the geriatric population and to identify factors associated with disability. Methods: Used prevalence study among 384 participants in the age group between 60 and 80 years. Eligible households for interview were selected using systematic random sampling (every 5th household). Trained interviewers carried out the study by direct interviews at the individuals’ residences using the WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire. Individuals with normal cognitive status (abbreviated mental test score >6) were included in the study. In determining the overall level of disability, the International Classification of Functioning scale were used: extreme disability (96 to 100%), severe disability (50 to 95%), moderate disability (25 to 49%), mild disability (5 to 24%) and no disability (0 to 4%). Results: Around 32.8% of the study population reported no disability, 40.9% disability was reported by most, and moderate level of disability 24.0%. Analysis of the factors associated with disability level showed the existence of significant relationships between disability score >24 and factors like age, marital status, family type, living arrangement and, physical activity of more than 150 hours per week. Conclusion: Higher disability rate was noted among the elderly in the study population. Increasing age, single member /nuclear family, divorced/widowed individuals, and inadequate physical activity were the factors significantly associated with increasing disability level.

Background: The global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population is relatively clear. Our previous study showed that elderly individuals who are physically disabled are more likely to experience kidney function impairment, and the main purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with CKD in elderly patients with physical disabilities. Methods: A total of 2679 elderly individuals with physical disabilities from the 2018 Shanghai Disability Health Survey were screened to calculate the prevalence of CKD. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with CKD. Detailed subgroup analyses of disability level were also conducted. Results: We confirmed CKD in 287 of 2679 (10.7%) participants. Female sex, age, history of hypertension, red blood cell count, albumin, urea, and uric acid (UA) were independently correlated with CKD. Age and UA abnormalities were common risk factors for different levels of disabilities. Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD is higher in the mild level of older physically handicapped individuals. Age and the level of UA should also be considered in this population. The preventive strategies for patients with two levels of elderly disability should have different focuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disability among the geriatric population is a major health issue. Assessment of disability among the elderly population is useful in terms of identifying the needs, setting priorities, and allocating resources. Purpose: To assess the disability level among the geriatric population and to identify factors associated with disability. Methods: Used prevalence study among 384 participants in the age group between 60 and 80 years. Eligible households for interview were selected using systematic random sampling (every 5th household). Trained interviewers carried out the study by direct interviews at the individuals' residences using the WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire. Individuals with normal cognitive status (abbreviated mental test score >6) were included in the study. In determining the overall level of disability, the International Classification of Functioning scale were used: extreme disability (96 to 100%), severe disability (50 to 95%), moderate disability (25 to 49%), mild disability (5 to 24%) and no disability (0 to 4%). Results: Around 32.8% of the study population reported no disability, 40.9% disability was reported by most, and moderate level of disability 24.0%. Analysis of the factors associated with disability level showed the existence of significant relationships between disability score >24 and factors like age, marital status, family type, living arrangement and, physical activity of more than 150 hours per week. Conclusion: Higher disability rate was noted among the elderly in the study population. Increasing age, single member /nuclear family, divorced/widowed individuals, and inadequate physical activity were the factors significantly associated with increasing disability level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of automatically assessing the 2-Minute Walk Distance (2MWD) for monitoring people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). For 154 pwMS, MS-related clinical outcomes as well as the 2MWDs as evaluated by clinicians and derived from accelerometer data were collected from a total of 323 periodic clinical visits. Accelerometer data from a wearable device during 100 home-based 2MWD assessments were also acquired. The error in estimating the 2MWD was validated for walk tests performed at hospital, and then the correlation (r) between clinical outcomes and home-based 2MWD assessments was evaluated. Robust performance in estimating the 2MWD from the wearable device was obtained, yielding an error of less than 10% in about two-thirds of clinical visits. Correlation analysis showed that there is a strong association between the actual and the estimated 2MWD obtained either at hospital (r = 0.71) or at home (r = 0.58). Furthermore, the estimated 2MWD exhibits moderate-to-strong correlation with various MS-related clinical outcomes, including disability and fatigue severity scores. Automatic assessment of the 2MWD in pwMS is feasible with the usage of a consumer-friendly wearable device in clinical and non-clinical settings. Wearable devices can also enhance the assessment of MS-related clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the coronary artery disease (CAD) related disability in Russian Federation in 2006– 2014. The article shows trends, degrees and structure of general CAD-related disability by age and gender. In 2006– 2014, CAD-related disability was high but demonstrated a downward trend. The percentage of newly disabled is significantly higher in the disability structure. The percentage of disable of 55–60 is high and tends to increase. The degree of disability is highest in middle-aged persons. In 2006–2009, the persons with II degree disability prevail, in 2010–2014 the persons with III degree disability prevail; consequently the rate of II degree disability is higher in 2006–2009, while the rate of III degree disability is higher in 2010–2014.

The impacts of scuba diving on people with physical impairments are unknown. Grounded on the social identity approach to health, the aim of this study was to test and describe the relationships between scuba diving social identity, self-efficacy, social health, psychological health, physical health, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and disability level among recreational scuba divers with physical impairments. A mixed methods explanatory sequential design was employed. The quantitative strand used an 80-item cross-sectional survey, with the data analyzed via a path analysis. The qualitative strand used 1:1 interviews across 3 case study groups; the data were analyzed using deductive and inductive analyses. Mixing occurred via a joint display with meta-inferences. The quantitative results (n = 78) indicated that self-efficacy was a significant predictor of social health, psychological health, physical health, HRQOL, and disability level. The qualitative findings (n = 15) consisted of six themes, whereby participants described scuba as a positive social identity that provides them with meaning, purpose, and belonging. Furthermore, they described scuba diving as a positive contributor to their self-efficacy, social health, psychological health, physical health, and quality of life. During the mixing of data, the quantitative and qualitative results did not match on the influence of scuba diving social identity on self-efficacy, social health, psychological health, physical health, HRQOL, and disability level. A further analysis revealed that the range restriction impaired the conclusive quantitative evidence on the scuba diving social identity variable. The meta-inferences derived from the data integration suggest that scuba diving plays a role in the self-efficacy, health, HRQOL, and disability level among scuba divers with physical impairments. The findings point to the potential of scuba diving as a health promotion recreational activity and rehabilitation modality for people with physical impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar region resulting in low back pain is high. One of the treatment options is neurosurgery. Previous studies and systematic reviews demonstrate the need to identify factors that affect the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing surgery. This study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors that affect the quality of life of patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery. A group of 128 patients was assessed for eligibility and qualified by radiological examinations for lumbar disc surgery by a neurosurgeon in the outpatient clinic. Finally, 110 patients were studied and evaluated 24 h and 3 months after surgery. Health-related quality of life (36-Item Short Form Survey, SF-36), disability level (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), and pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) were assessed. The mean pain intensity before surgery was 7.8 ± 2.3 pts and decreased significantly 24 h after surgery, with a mean score of 3.8 ± 2.4 pts (p = 0.0000). After three months, the increase in pain intensity was at 4.8 ± 2.4 pts, but the score was still significantly better than before surgery (p = 0.0024). The mean ODI score before surgery was 29.3 ± 8.4 pts (slight disability), and three months after surgery, there was an insignificant increase to a mean value of 31.5 ± 10.4 pts (p = 0.0834). There was a statistically significant increase in quality-of-life scores at three months after surgery in the following domains: physical functioning (8.7%; p = 0.0176), bodily pain (26.2%; p = 0.0000), vitality (5.8%; p = 0.0132) and mental health (6.2%; p = 0.0163), and a decrease in role limitations due to physical problems (3.8; p = 0.0013) and general health perception (6.7%; p = 0.0112). In conclusion, the surgical procedure plays an important role in improving the quality of life of patients operated on for intervertebral disc degeneration. It was effective in reducing the pain level, especially 24 h after surgery; however, surgery did not affect the disability level.

Recent guidelines identified recovery from cardiac arrest as an additional link in the chain of survival. However, data on the disability level and long-term survivorship in such patients are limited. We aimed to determine the long-term disability level, including disability type and severity, in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) 1 month after discharge. This nationwide observational study used data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea. We included adult OHCA patients who presented to the emergency departments (ED) of all hospitals in Korea between 2009 and 2018. The main outcome was disability level between 1 month after discharge and the 2-year follow-up. The average disability level was divided into six grades: most severe (grade 1) to mild (grade 6). Among 224,520 OHCA patients, 25,598 (11.4%) survived at 30 days. After excluding 3143 patients with a follow-up less than 2 years, 22,455 patients were included. Newly-developed disabilities were observed in 2664 patients (11.9%) and were more frequent in 1-year survivors than non-survivors (16.7% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.01). The most common type of disability was encephalopathic (54.2%), followed by renal (16.1%), physical (10.5%), and cardiac (4.2%) disabilities. Grade 1 disability was most frequent, followed by grade 2 and 3 (45.7%, 23.5%, 10.9%, respectively). Among patients who survived at 30 days after OHCA, 11.9% developed disabilities, including encephalopathic, physical, renal, and cardiac disabilities. Physicians should be aware of the risk of these disabilities and efforts to treat these disabilities in OHCA survivors should be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Low back pain (LBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects more than 80% of people in the United States at least once in their lifetime. LBP is one of the most common complaints prompting individuals to seek medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of spinal stabilization exercises (SSEs) on movement performance, pain intensity, and disability level in adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods Forty participants, 20 in each group, with CLBP were recruited and randomly allocated into one of two interventions: SSEs and general exercises (GEs). All participants received their assigned intervention under supervision one to two times per week for the first four weeks and then were asked to continue their program at home for another four weeks. Outcome measures were collected at baseline, two weeks, four weeks, and eight weeks, including the Functional Movement ScreenTM (FMSTM), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (OSW) scores. Results There was a significant interaction for the FMSTM scores (p = 0.016), but not for the NPRS and OSW scores. Post hoc analysis showed significant between-group differences between baseline and four weeks (p = 0.005) and between baseline and eight weeks (p = 0.026) favor SSEs over GEs. Further, the results demonstrated that all participants, regardless of group, had significant improvements in movement performance, pain intensity, and disability level over time. Conclusion The results of the study favor SSEs over GEs in improving movement performance for individuals with CLBP, specifically after four weeks of the supervised SSE program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of automatically assessing the 2-Minute Walk Distance (2MWD) for monitoring people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). For 154 pwMS, MS-related clinical outcomes as well as the 2MWDs as evaluated by clinicians and derived from accelerometer data were collected from a total of 323 periodic clinical visits. Accelerometer data from a wearable device during 100 home-based 2MWD assessments were also acquired. The error in estimating the 2MWD was validated for walk tests performed at hospital, and then the correlation (r) between clinical outcomes and home-based 2MWD assessments was evaluated. Robust performance in estimating the 2MWD from the wearable device was obtained, yielding an error of less than 10% in about two-thirds of clinical visits. Correlation analysis showed that there is a strong association between the actual and the estimated 2MWD obtained either at hospital (r = 0.71) or at home (r = 0.58). Furthermore, the estimated 2MWD exhibits moderate-to-strong correlation with various MS-related clinical outcomes, including disability and fatigue severity scores. Automatic assessment of the 2MWD in pwMS is feasible with the usage of a consumer-friendly wearable device in clinical and non-clinical settings. Wearable devices can also enhance the assessment of MS-related clinical outcomes.

Aims: In clinical trials, disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) is measured by the Kurtzke expanded disability status scale (EDSS), which is not captured in routine clinical care in the U.S. This study developed a claims-based disability score (CDS) based on the EDSS for assigning MS disability level in a U.S. claims database. Methods: This retrospective cohort study of patients with MS in the U.S., utilized adjudicated health plan claims data linked to electronic medical records (EMRs) data. Patients were identified between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016 and indexed on the first date of MS diagnosis. The CDS was developed to assign disability level at baseline using claims and ambulatory EMR records observed over the 1-year baseline period. All-cause healthcare costs were assessed by baseline disability level to validate the CDS. Results: In total, 45,687 patients were identified in claims (full sample) and 1,599 linked to EMR (core sample). Over half of patients in both samples were classified with mild disability at baseline. Adjusted healthcare costs in patients with moderate and severe disability were 15% (p<.0001) and 20% higher, respectively, than in patients with mild disability at baseline in the full sample. Disease-modifying therapy (DMT) costs accounted for 89%, 82%, and 78% of outpatient pharmacy costs in patients with mild, moderate, and severe disability, respectively. Conclusions: The CDS is the first claims-based measure of MS disability utilizing data from EMR. This novel measure advances the opportunity to examine outcomes by disability accumulation in the absence of standard markers of disease progression. Although formal validation of the CDS was not possible due to lack of available EDSS in the EMR, the economic burden results align with prior publications and show that healthcare costs increase with increasing disability. Future validation studies of the CDS are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-Specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that leads to impaired physical activity (PA) level and functional limitation, which might cause disability. This study evaluated the self-reported PA level and associated factors among NSCLBP patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 57 patients purposively recruited from the out-patient physiotherapy clinics of two tertiary hospitals. A self-structured questionnaire, long form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Modified Assessing Levels of Physical Activity and fitness (ALPHA) environmental questionnaires were administered to assess the patient’s socio- demographic/clinical profile, PA level, disability level and environmental characteristics respectively. Pearson Chi-square and Spearman rank correlation were used to determine the associations between the variables of interest. Alpha level was set at P

Background: In the previous research, the Disability Assessment Scale based on ICF had been constructed for LTC insurance in China. To apply this scale in further studies, it is essential to establish assessment standards for disability levels., Objective: To establish standardized disability classification criteria and identify the disability statuses and levels in older people., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, in which 1,610 older individuals in 15 long-term care institutions in China were assessed by the disability assessment scale based on ICF. Cluster analysis was used for classification of the disability levels. Mean (SD) and median (IQR) were used to describe the scores for each item and each dimension., Results: The total scores of the disability assessment scale were classified into six disability levels. The overall disability level of the 1,610 participants was moderate-to-severe. The disability in the dimension of "self-care ability and activity" was the most obvious and severe., Conclusion: The Disability Assessment Scale is capable of identifying disability statuses and levels of older people, and it can serve as a valuable tool for investigating the disabilities among old people and for conducting cross-national comparisons of disability levels., Competing Interests: The authors declare that this study received funding from Taikang Pension Insurance Co., Ltd. The funder had the following involvement in the study: data collection., (© 2024 Zhao, Xie, Wang, Liu, Yan and Li.)

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system and is one of the causes of progressive disability in young people who may be sexually active. This disability can be associated with sexual-urinary problems that affect all aspects of their lives. This study was performed with aim to evaluate the association between disability and urinary-sexual dysfunction in women with MS. Methods: This descriptive-correlation study was performed on 78 women with MS referred to Neurology clinic of Ghaem Hospital in 2013. Data collection tools included individual characteristics form with the questions related to urinary problems, Krutzke disability scale, and female sexual function index (FSFI). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 19) and descriptive and analytic statistics. P

With the gradual aging of China’s population development, the number of disabled elderly has increased significantly. In order to better solve the problem of life care for these elderly people, it is necessary to conduct in-depth and detailed research on the specific conditions of disabled elderly people, in order to differentiate different conditions for care and set appropriate insurance provisions. Based on the detailed analysis of the basic behavioral ability of the elderly, and referring to the International Disability standards, this paper refines the three basic living ability indicators of physiological behavior, cognitive behavior and interpersonal behavior, and integrates the cultural elements of assimilation, continuity, fusion and cohesion with Chinese characteristics. A more systematic and perfect five-level disability scale which conforms to the national conditions of China is designed. The disability of the elderly in Shanghai was investigated with the newly constructed scale, and a detailed analysis and five-level division were made. Experiments show that the results of this study can more effectively establish the disability level of the elderly in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) affects most people at least once in their lives. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound therapy (UD) in patients with LBP receiving two different treatment dosages. METHODS: The study design was a randomized prospective study. Patients were subjected to UD for two weeks. All persons in the study were evaluated at the Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic at the Antoni Jurasz University Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Inclusion criteria were lumbosacral pain lasting more than 8 weeks, signs of osteoarthritis on imaging studies, and ages30–65 years. Exclusion criteria were radicular pain, nonmechanical causes of pain, contraindications for UD, or the patient received other LBP therapy during the study. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RM), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: For both groups, the ODI scores were significantly reduced by 13.7% and 8.84%, the RM scores decreased by 3.37 points and 3.59 points, and pain remissions on the VAS scale were 20.28 mm and 16.31 mm (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: UD decreased patients' disability levels and pain intensity. However, effective ultrasound parameters must be determined because of the wide dosage variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the dynamics of indicators of primary, repeated, and general disability due to malignant new growths in the elderly in the city of Moscow during 2005–2014 and determines the main medico-social characteristics of this contingent in comparison with indicators for the Central Federal District and Russian Federation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most frequent neuropsychiatric consequence of stroke. The nature of the relationship between PSD and mortality still remains unknown. One hypothesis is that PSD could be more frequent in those patients who are more vulnerable to physical disability, a mediator variable for higher level of physical damage related to higher risk of mortality. Therefore, the authors’ objective was to explore the assumption that PSD increases disability after stroke, and secondly, that mortality is higher among patients with PSD regardless of stroke severity and other neuropsychiatric conditions. We included 524 consecutive patients with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack, who were screened for depression between 7–10 days after stroke onset. Physical impairment and death were the outcomes measures at evaluation check points three and 12 months post-stroke. PSD independently increased the level of disability three (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.31–2.87, p = 0.001), and 12 months post-stroke (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.14–2.48, p = 0.009). PSD was also an independent risk factor for death three (OR = 5.68, 95% CI 1.58–20.37, p = 0.008) and 12 months after stroke (OR = 4.53, 95% CI 2.06–9.94, p = 0.001). Our study shows the negative impact of early PSD on the level of disability and survival rates during first year after stroke and supports the assumption that depression may act as an independent mediator for disability leading to death in patients who are more vulnerable for brain injury.

Disability in old age is a frequent phenomenon that lowers the quality of life of elderly people and demands scarce resources for care and rehabilitation. Sri Lanka has a rapidly increasing elderly population and there is very little information relevant to the health conditions of the elderly in general. This includes an assessment of the number of diseases confronted in old age, the ability to engage in daily activities, self-perceived health condition, the use of life-supporting equipment and the number of leisure time activities. The objective of this study is to analyse the impact of certain socio-demographic variables on the extent of frailty experienced by the elderly with different levels of disability. According to the findings of the study it was revealed that 5.4 percent totally depend on someone to do their daily activities, while 57 percent are in need of some help. Only 38 percent were not in need of any support. Further, the extent of frailty is positively affected by the level of disability and negatively affected by their self-reported health status. Hence, it is prudent to consider the amalgamation of ageing related disability conditions that require special geriatric care as well, in future policy reforms relating to disability in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is relative inattention to caregiving burden in black populations in developing economies. This study seeks to assess the level of perceived burden and social determinants of burden of care in caregivers of adult patients with schizophrenia.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 115 dyads of patients with schizophrenia caregivers attending public mental health clinics were consecutively recruited. Burden of care was evaluated using the 22-item Zarit Burden Scale (maximum score, 88). Multiple linear regression model explored factors associated with caregiver burden.Results: Caregivers were predominantly females (75.7 %) and were on average 50.8 ± 15.0 years. Most patients with schizophrenia were males (65.2 %) and were on average 43.6 ± 17.2 years old. Caregivers showed on average, mild-to-moderate burden (score, 30.0 ± 14.7; median, 28.0). There was tendency for caregivers of patients who were parents or spouses to have higher levels of burden. In multivariable analyses, higher burden of caregiving was associated with patient's inability to perform self-care (B ± SE, 5.12 ± 1.40; p = 0.0001), closer kinship and higher numbers of psychotic episodes in previous year. The length of caregiving relationship was inversely related.Conclusions: Poorer functioning and demographic factors were important determinants of caregiver burden. Community mental health services should include self-care interventions in rehabilitation programs in Jamaica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Being a parent can be demanding and stressful, especially for people with chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Parenting can be disrupted by flareups, disease worsening, and other MS symptoms, including mobility problems, pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, have been found to occur at much higher rates in people with MS than in the general population. Surprisingly, less is known about which factors may predict mood disorders in parents with MS. This study aims to identify potential demographic, clinical, and self-reported predictors that contribute to mood disorders measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale., Methods: A total of 285 parents with MS completed an anonymous online questionnaire combining sociodemographic, clinical, and family characteristics and scales, validated in Italian, related to coping strategies and social support. Associations between each variable and mood disorders were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses., Results: Disability level, emotional and dysfunctional coping strategies, and perceived social support were significant predictors of mood disorders in parents with MS., Conclusions: These findings confirm the importance of identifying risk factors for mood disorders in parents with MS so that early intervention can minimize mood disruptions caused by the disease., Competing Interests: FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Ms Messmer Uccelli is currently employed by Biogen. The other authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships., (© 2022 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.)

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most frequent neuropsychiatric consequence of stroke. The nature of the relationship between PSD and mortality still remains unknown. One hypothesis is that PSD could be more frequent in those patients who are more vulnerable to physical disability, a mediator variable for higher level of physical damage related to higher risk of mortality. Therefore, the authors' objective was to explore the assumption that PSD increases disability after stroke, and secondly, that mortality is higher among patients with PSD regardless of stroke severity and other neuropsychiatric conditions. We included 524 consecutive patients with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack, who were screened for depression between 7–10 days after stroke onset. Physical impairment and death were the outcomes measures at evaluation check points three and 12 months post-stroke. PSD independently increased the level of disability three (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.31–2.87, p = 0.001), and 12 months post-stroke (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.14–2.48, p = 0.009). PSD was also an independent risk factor for death three (OR = 5.68, 95% CI 1.58–20.37, p = 0.008) and 12 months after stroke (OR = 4.53, 95% CI 2.06–9.94, p = 0.001). Our study shows the negative impact of early PSD on the level of disability and survival rates during first year after stroke and supports the assumption that depression may act as an independent mediator for disability leading to death in patients who are more vulnerable for brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of dynamics of formation of primary, repeated and general disability owing to malignant new growths at elderly people of the city of Moscow during 2005-2014 is presented in article, the main medico-social characteristics of this contingent in comparison with indicators are determined by Central Federal District and the Russian Federation.

As a result of conducted research on the indicators and the structure of disability caused by musculoskeletal system and connective tissue deseases, the following was found: the number of disabled people reduced by 52,9% from 2007 to 2016; the level of disability descended more than two times; in the structure of primary disability there is a prevalence of working-aged persons (52,8%), whereas their number reduced by 45% within 10 years. Persons above the working age accounted for 47,2% of the disability structure and their number fell by 60,6% within the analysed period. The highest level of disability was detected among persons above the working age, however, within last ten years it decreased more than three times. In the cohort of people disabled due to deseases mentioned above, persons with 3rd group of disability prevailed (72,7%) with the highest level of disability shown as 4,9 persons out of 10 000 the corresponding population.