Levels of functioning in asthma patients using the WHODAS II

Abstract

During the pilot implementation of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) in Ukraine, data were collected to assess the activity limitations and participation restrictions experienced by adults with asthma with the help of the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II.

Objective: To study the levels of functioning in patients with asthma using the WHODAS II.

Results: We examined 89 patients with asthma. The average age of patients was 50.4 ± 4.6 years, 42.9% women. The mean FEV1 was 51.7 ± 8.2%, partly controlled asthma in 85% patients, 71% received high doses of ICS. 43% had higher education, 57% were urban residents.

The average score for WHODAS II was 32.8 ± 7.1. Most of the patients (57.1%) had a mild decrease in functioning (WHODAS II overall score <25); in 14.3% was observed a moderate decrease in functioning (score 25-49), and in 28.6% - a significant decrease (>50).

The most significant functioning decrease was observed in the “participation in society” (63.4 ± 7.9), then “mobility” (35.7 ± 9.7), “understanding and communication” (28.6 ± 9.7), “self-care” (26.8 ± 11.6), “life activities” (26.3 ± 6.6) and “getting around” (15.7 ± 6.5). Thus, patients with asthma are most concerned about the significant complications or inability to join in community activities; a major role played the difficulty in moving & getting around, understanding and communicating, hygiene, dressing, eating & staying alone, and domestic responsibilities and leisure while interacting with other people almost did not cause issues. So, in patients with asthma, there is a significant limitation of the functioning level, mainly due to difficulties in participation in community activities and mobility issues.