Validation of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Multiple Sclerosis: A Turkish clinical perspective

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts individuals' functioning and disability.
• The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a standardized framework for assessing health and disability.
• The ICF Core Set for MS is designed to capture the most relevant ICF categories for individuals with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the construct validity of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS in a Turkish population.
• To identify the specific health domains affected by MS using ICF categories.
• To understand the facilitators and barriers to functioning and participation in individuals with MS.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 150 individuals with MS was assessed using the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS.
• Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to assess the construct validity between ICF components and disease-specific/general measures.
• Data collection occurred between December 2011 and December 2012.

Main Results:

• Frequently reported impairments included pain, sleep, motivation, and muscle endurance (body functions), and brain, spinal cord, and lower extremity structures (body structures).
• Significant issues were found in 47 out of 53 activities and participation categories.
• Environmental factors presented both facilitators (23 categories) and barriers (12 categories).
• All ICF components demonstrated significant correlations with disease-specific and generic measures.

Conclusions:

• The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS exhibits construct validity in Turkish individuals.
• The ICF Core Set can identify major facilitators and barriers impacting functioning and disability in MS.
• This framework supports the development of targeted rehabilitation strategies for MS patients.