Biopsychosocial impact on person with physical disabilities

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to explore the biopsychosocial impact on person with physical disability (PD) at a specialised rehabilitation centre in Bangladesh. Methods: This is a cross–sectional study conducted at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed. We used the biomedical, social and psychological status measurement questionnaires, the post COVID-19 functional status (PCFS) and World Health Organization Disability Assessment (WHODAS 2.0) questionnaires to assess the level of disability and functional status. Data was analyzed using Pearson Chi-square, Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney-U and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: Two hundred twelve persons with PDs were recruited. Prior to rehabilitation at CRP they perceived as having a moderate level of disability, and good functional status in physical and psychological health domains. They indicated poor functional status between socio-demographic factors and type of disability, occupation, monthly family income and comorbidities. There were some specific differences in overall scores when comparing type of disability, occupation, monthly family income and comorbid diseases. Age of the participants is found significantly correlated with the stress and fear impact of the participants. Between groups comparisons indicated that female participants had a significantly higher functional status in the total WHODAS 2.0 score and those with a hemorrhagic stroke had a significantly higher functional level than ischemic stroke patients in the Physical Health and psychological Domain. Conclusion: During their rehabilitation person with disability had a relatively positive perception of level of disability and functional activity. However, the results of other research have found that post-discharge their disability level increase and functional level decrease across all domains. Hence, it is recommended that more monitoring of level of disability and functional level is conducted post-discharge, along with a greater focus on community-based rehabilitation strategies and procedures to contribute to long-term reduction in level of disability and improved functional activity. Key words: Biopsychosocial impact, COVID-19, Persons with physical disability