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
Editorial
01 February 2023 : Editorial
Editorial: The XBB.1.5 (‘Kraken’) Subvariant of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 and its Rapid Global SpreadDOI: 10.12659/MSM.939580
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e939580
SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19
19 January 2023 : Clinical Research
Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health in 729 Medical Students in Indonesia During ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.938892
19 January 2023 : Clinical Research
Determining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Care in the Serbian Adult Population: An Online Q...Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e939238
27 December 2022 : Clinical Research
Effect of Physiotherapy to Correct Rounded Shoulder Posture in 30 Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic in ...Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e938926
10 December 2022 : Clinical Research
Retrospective Study to Identify Risk Factors for Severe Disease and Mortality Using the Modified Early Warn...Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e938647
In Press
03 Feb 2023 : Clinical Research
Treatment of Gingival Recession Defects with Pouch and Tunnel Technique Using Connective Tissue Graft and L...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.938865
02 Feb 2023 : Clinical Research
Online Questionnaire-Based Study to Evaluate the Attitudes and Use of Rubber Dental Dams by Saudi Dental Pr...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.938672
02 Feb 2023 : Database Analysis
Prognostic-Related Biomarkers in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Correlating with Immune Infiltrates Based...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.938785
01 Feb 2023 : Clinical Research
Comparison of 3 Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay Methods to Evaluate Serum Concentrations of Infliximab and Antibo...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.939084
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