01 December 2008
Use of an economical wheelchair in India and Peru: impact on health and function
Susan L. ShoreMed Sci Monit 2008; 14(12): PH71-79 :: ID: 869466
Abstract
Background
The overall impact of a wheelchair on its user must be evaluated in light of both benefit and risk. Evaluation should include not only physical function, but also overall quality of life, integration into society, and cost effectiveness. The current study examined the impact of a donated, inexpensively made wheelchair on recipients in 2 different countries.
Material and Method
188 recipients of the Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM) wheelchair in India and Peru were surveyed in their local setting and language by social workers. Results were entered and transferred electronically for analysis.
Results
At the time of the survey, the wheelchairs had been in use for an average of 18 months. 93.1% of recipients used their wheelchair more than 1 hour/day. Receipt and use of the FWM chair resulted in a significant shift toward independent function in 5 of 6 areas drawn from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. The greatest maintenance problem was with the tires (19.7%), similar in frequency to reported U.S. users. There was an unexpected 11.7% decrease in the incidence of pressure ulcers with use of the wheelchair, most likely associated with increased mobility. Reported pain levels were not believed by participants to be related to use of the wheelchair. The impact on health and quality of life was generally viewed as positive. Monetary cost of the wheelchair is minimal.
Conclusions
In summary, recipient evaluation of the Free Wheelchair Mission wheelchair in 2 different countries has shown a positive, cost-effective benefit to both health and function without unusual risk.
Keywords: India, Health Status, Child, Preschool, Child, Wheelchairs - economics, Quality of Life, Peru, Aged, 80 and over, Adolescent, Activities of Daily Living
735 24
Editorial
01 June 2023 : Editorial
Editorial: Infectious Disease Surveillance Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its Role in Epidemic and Pandemic PreparednessDOI: 10.12659/MSM.941209
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e941209
In Press
01 Jun 2023 : Clinical Research
Root Canal Numbers and Configurations in 1080 Permanent Canine Teeth in 270 Saudi Subjects Using Cone-Beam ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940472
01 Jun 2023 : Clinical Research
Internal Orifice Alloy Closure: A New Procedure for Treatment of Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s DiseaseMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940873
01 Jun 2023 : Clinical Research
Effectiveness of Needle Aspiration versus Surgical Excision for Symptomatic Synovial Cysts of the Hip: A Si...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.940187
01 Jun 2023 : Clinical Research
Influence of Insulin Resistance on Diabetes NephropathyMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.939482
Most Viewed Current Articles
13 Nov 2021 : Clinical Research
Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Associated Factors Among Cancer Patients Attending the Oncology ...DOI :10.12659/MSM.932788
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e932788
30 Dec 2021 : Clinical Research
Retrospective Study of Outcomes and Hospitalization Rates of Patients in Italy with a Confirmed Diagnosis o...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935379
Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e935379
08 Mar 2022 : Review article
A Review of the Potential Roles of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacological Approaches for the Man...DOI :10.12659/MSM.936292
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e936292
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952