Functional Profile Differences Across Diagnostic Categories Using WHODAS 2.0 in Adults with Neurological,...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Gerontology
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Functional disability is a significant challenge in aging populations with chronic illnesses.
• Limited research exists comparing disability profiles across diagnostic categories using standardized assessments.
• Understanding these profiles is crucial for effective healthcare planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize functional profiles of adults with neurological, musculoskeletal, and chronic pain conditions using the WHODAS 2.0.
• To investigate differences in disability by age and sex across these conditions.
• To inform tailored rehabilitation strategies and resource allocation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the 36-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0).
• Analyzed data from 419 participants (median age 73 years, 73% female) across neurological, musculoskeletal, and pain-related diagnostic groups.
• Employed non-parametric tests and Spearman correlations for domain-level score analysis.

Main Results:

• Neurological conditions exhibited the highest disability, particularly in cognition, interpersonal relations, and participation.
• Musculoskeletal conditions showed greater limitations in mobility and self-care.
• Women reported higher disability in the neurological group, with significant cognitive differences (p=0.048); age correlated with self-care and mobility impairments.

Conclusions:

• The WHODAS 2.0 effectively identifies domain-specific functional limitations across diverse clinical populations.
• Individualized, diagnosis- and gender-sensitive rehabilitation strategies are essential.
• WHODAS 2.0 data can guide targeted care planning and resource allocation in rehabilitation settings.