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
Description:
This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
