Physical activity participation among older adults with diabetes: Applying the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Guidelines

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Chenchen Yang ◽  
Elias Mpofu ◽  
Xiaoli Li ◽  
Diana Dorstyn ◽  
Qiwei Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
International Classification ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Activity Participation ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Disability And Health ◽  
The World

Abstract Objective: Physical activity (PA) is a known benefit to older adults with diabetes; however, the determinants of PA are less well studied in this population. Applying the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), a well-established biopsychosocial framework, we explored PA participation among older adult with type 2 diabetes. Method: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study and the RAND Center for the Study of Aging (N = 2,016; mean age = 73.19; SD = 6.16), we conducted hierarchical stepwise regression analysis to evaluate the relative contribution of different biopsychosocial predictors to PA – namely, body functions and structure, activity and participation, personal, and environmental factors. Results: Altogether, biopsychosocial factors accounted for 20% of the variance in PA participation. Of the personal factors, high extraversion and low neuroticism explained approximately 54% of the variance in PA among the older adults – beyond sociodemographics. Low body mass index, reduced pain, reduced depression, and higher cognitive functioning also had good explanatory power (25% of explained variance), whereas activity participation and environment did not (10% each). Conclusion: Aligning care with components of the ICF will help to ensure a focus on person-centric practices and, in turn, optimize participation outcomes such as PA.

scholarly journals Functional gender differences in autism: An international, multidisciplinary expert survey using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model

Autism ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136236132097531
Author(s):  
Karl Lundin ◽  
Soheil Mahdi ◽  
Johan Isaksson ◽  
Sven Bölte
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
High Income ◽  
International Classification ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Disability And Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Few studies have addressed gender differences in autism in relation to functioning and across cultures. We aimed to explore functional gender differences in autism from a multidisciplinary, global perspective using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Perceptions among professionals in high-income countries and middle-income countries were examined based on qualitative survey data from N = 225 professionals. Of these, n = 131 professionals provided information on functional gender differences in autism. Thirty-two professionals reported perceiving no gender differences. Remaining respondents ( n = 99)—representing 31 countries, all World Health Organization regions, and 10 different professions—were included in a content analysis on functional gender differences, which generated three main categories and 13 subcategories. The subcategories were subsequently linked to International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories. Autistic males were described as displaying more externalizing behaviors, and females as having more internalizing problems and being more socially motivated. Thirty-two International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories were identified, of which 31 were covered by the comprehensive Core Set for autism. Gender differences in core symptoms and co-existing problems were acknowledged by professionals from both high-income countries and middle-income countries, while differences in social behaviors, including camouflaging, were more frequently described by experts from high-income countries. Lay abstract In this study, we explored if professionals working with autistic people in different regions of the world perceive differences between females and males diagnosed with the condition. A total of 131 professionals responded to a survey that included an open question about gender differences in autism. Of these, 32 responded that they do not perceive gender differences in autism. The information provided by the other 99 experts was analyzed to identify common patterns. Three main differences were found, (1) Matching the clinical conceptualization of autism where professionals described differences in core symptoms of autism, and that autistic females were less similar to the conceptualization of autism. In (2) Co-existing problems, professionals described that autistic males display more apparent problems including hyperactivity, while autistic females were perceived as having more internalizing issues such as anxiety and eating disorders. In the last category, (3) Navigating the social environment, experts perceived autistic females as more socially motivated, and more inclined to camouflage social difficulties, making their challenges less evident. Professionals also perceived differences in the social environment, for example, that autistic girls receive more support from their peers while autistic boys are more often bullied. Our results suggest that professionals working in different parts of the world acknowledge gender differences in autism, but also that there might be some regional differences. Finally, we found that gender differences reported by the international professionals could largely be assessed with a shortened version of the International Classification of Functioning by the World Health Organization, specifically developed for autism.

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