Hasil untuk "Vocational rehabilitation. Employment of people with disabilities"

Najmiatul Fitria, Wince Agustina, Yelly Oktavia Sari

Objectives: Since pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) treatment takes at least six months, it affects TB patients’ quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to describe the QoL of individuals affected by pulmonary TB during the initial and post-intensive treatment phases.  Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 patients with TB in Padang City, Indonesia, for two months from February 2022. The participants were equally grouped into the intensive and post-intensive rehabilitation phases. The “World Health Organization’s QoL questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF)” measured patients’ QoL. The Mann-Whitney test pinpointed variations in patient QoL across the initial and post-intensive treatment phases.  Results: Most patients with pulmonary TB in both sets fell within the moderate QoL range. The QoL in the two-month post-intensive rehabilitation phase did not change (P>0.05). The QoL for patients with pulmonary TB showed significant variance between those in intensive and post-intensive treatment, both in physical (P<0.05) and psychological (P<0.05) domains. Discussion: Patients with pulmonary TB in the intensive treatment phase experienced a diminished QoL relative to those receiving post-intensive care. Statistical analysis revealed no significant discrepancies in social relations or environmental conditions among participants in either therapy group. No discernible difference was observed in the patient’s QoL between those receiving intensive and post-intensive pulmonary TB rehabilitation. Even if no discernible difference is observed and the patient’s QoL somewhat declines at the start of TB treatment, it will increase with the length and effectiveness of treatment.

Rachel Spencer, Robin Gibson, Leigh Creighton et al.

People with Down Syndrome often experience more barriers to achieving a good quality of life compared to people without disabilities. A lot of the existing research has focused on the views of parents and professionals, rather than directly including the voices and perspectives of people with Down Syndrome themselves. We wanted to find out how this might be done. At the 2024 World Down Syndrome Conference, over 140 adults with Down Syndrome came together at a one-day Forum to talk about their lives—aspects that are going well and what could be better. The goal was to hear directly from them. This article explains how the Forum was run so that others with Down Syndrome can use a similar process. We describe how Artificial Intelligence (AI) was used to assist the authors in organising and sharing the information from participants, such as grouping what people said into different themes and helping to create plain language reports. This process worked. Eight key themes were found that could help people to have a good life, such as having good relationships with family and friends; having a job; making personal choices; and being respected and included. The list was longer than previously reported in other studies. The Forum gave valuable insights and helped us think of new ideas for supporting people with Down Syndrome to speak up for themselves. Used thoughtfully, AI (Artificial Intelligence) could be a helpful tool in the future to help these people share their experiences and needs. More research is needed to understand how people with Down Syndrome can be more involved in making changes through advocacy projects where they take an active role.

Maram Fahaad Almufareh, Sumaira Kausar, Mamoona Humayun et al.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in transformative changes, championing inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This article delves into the remarkable AI-driven solutions that have revolutionized their lives across various domains. From assistive technologies such as voice recognition and AI-powered smart glasses catering to diverse needs, to healthcare benefiting from early disease detection algorithms and wearable devices that monitor vital signs and alert caregivers in emergencies, AI has steered in significant enhancements. Moreover, AI-driven prosthetics and exoskeletons have substantially improved mobility for those with limb impairments. The realm of education has not been left untouched, with AI tools creating inclusive learning environments that adapt to individual learning styles, paving the way for academic success among students with disabilities. However, the boundless potential of AI also presents ethical concerns and challenges. Issues like safeguarding data privacy, mitigating algorithmic bias, and bridging the digital divide must be thoughtfully addressed to fully harness AI’s potential in empowering individuals with disabilities. To complement these achievements, a robust conceptual model for AI disability inclusion serves as the theoretical framework, guiding the development of tailored AI solutions. By striking a harmonious balance between innovation and ethics, AI has the power to significantly enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities across a spectrum of vital areas.

Ayoob Lone, Abdul Sattar Khan, Fahad Abdullah Saeed AlWadani et al.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) poses significant challenges to children, affecting various aspects of their functioning and overall quality of life (QOL). While factors such as social support and access to interventions play crucial roles in determining the QOL, coping strategies are fundamental in shaping the experiences and outcomes of individuals with ASD. This case-control study aimed to address this gap by exploring the nexus between QOL and coping strategies in children with ASD. This cross-sectional study included 214 children with and without, who were ASD enrolled in different rehabilitation centers in the Al-Hasa region of Saudi Arabia. QOL was measured using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) health survey to assess the physical and mental components. Coping strategies were assessed using the validated Brief COPE inventory. We examined the association between the SF-12 and coping strategies in children with autism and healthy children using binary logistic regression analysis. QOL measures indicated that children with ASD had poorer scores across various domains compared to healthy children. Children relied more on substance abuse, emotional support, and religious coping. Logistic regression indicated that among the QOL dimensions, role physical [odds ratio (OR) = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.07, P = 0.01], bodily pain (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04, P = 0.02), social health (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07, P = 0.00), role emotion (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03, P = 0.00), and mental health (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.06, P = 0.03) were associated with ASD. Certain coping strategies, such as self-distraction (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.64-3.51, P = 0.01), substance abuse, (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31-0.86, P = 0.02), emotional support (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30-0.73, P = 0.00), venting (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.22-3.42, P = 0.01), and religion (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.99, P = 0.04), were linked to ASD. Children with ASD had a poorer QOL and relied more on substance abuse, emotional support, and religious coping compared to normal children. The findings of this study have implications for mental health professionals and clinicians, as children with autism and poor QOL may require greater levels of emotional support and services.

Femke Bannink Mbazzi, Shaffa Hameed, John K. Ganle et al.

Background: Disability inclusive youth research, involving youth with disabilities in the design, implementation and dissemination of study data, is still limited in Africa. Objectives: To describe and reflect on the experiences of involving youth with disabilities in an exploratory research study, focused on disability-inclusive education and employment in 7 African countries. Method: 12 youths with different impairments, aged 18 to 35, were employed as researchers in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda. Youth researchers contributed to the data collection and analysis of interviews with 210 youth with disabilities. 24 youth advisors with disabilities formed two youth advisory groups (YAG) of 12 advisors each in the regional hub countries Ghana and Uganda. The YAGs met 4 times during the project and contributed to the study design, data collection, data analysis and dissemination activities. In addition, 4 workshops were held with the Ugandan YAG to develop a participatory film. Results: Together with the youth participants, we reflected on the experiences of involving youth with disabilities and conducting research with, by and on youth with disabilities. We highlighted ethics and safeguarding, recruitment and representation, exploring experiences and data quality, participatory dissemination, accessibility, capacity building and networking as key areas of consideration and benefit in this project. Conclusion: Participatory research with youth with disabilities is feasible, enriching, and key to inclusive research that informs education and employment policy and practices. Contribution: Lessons learned from youth involvement in a disability inclusive research programme, focused on education and employment in 7 African countries.

Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada, Emmanuel Oluwatosin Abata, Omoniyi Ayokunle Ojapinwa et al.

Objectives: Although the Microsoft Kinect has compelling potential for gait analysis in medicine, data available to compare it with observational gait analysis (OGA) is scarce. This study compared the Microsoft Kinect and the OGA in assessing the gait parameters of apparently healthy adults. Methods: Ninety-seven apparently healthy young male adults participated in this comparative study. First, the participant’s age, height, weight, and body mass index were obtained. Afterward, gait parameters involving the number of steps, cadence, stride length, and step length were assessed concurrently following OGA standard procedures and the Microsoft Kinect during a 6-m walk down the hallway. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The significance level was set at P<0.05.  Results: The Mean±SD walk time, steps, cadence, velocity, and stride length were 8.07±1.39 s, 14.0±2.96 counts, 72.9±11.9 steps/min, 0.8±0.13 m/s, and 0.77±0.13m, respectively. Step length was significantly higher (P<0.05) with Microsoft Kinect than OGA, whereas stride length and walk speed values were significantly (P<0.05) lower with Microsoft Kinect. A moderate but significant (P=0.001) positive correlation existed between Microsoft Kinect and OGA regarding walk speed. In contrast, regarding the step length, a weak but significant (P<0.05) positive correlation was found between Microsoft Kinect and OGA. Discussion: Step length values of Microsoft Kinect were significantly higher than OGA values, whereas stride length and walk speed values of Microsoft Kinect were significantly lower than OGA values. Walk speed and step length measured by Microsoft Kinect and OGA were positively correlated.

A. Crudden, Anne Steverson

BACKGROUND: People with blindness and low vision (BLV) encounter many obstacles in retaining employment. Recent legislation has refocused vocational rehabilitation (VR) efforts toward job retention and career advancement among persons with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the skills, including technology, and other issues that influenced job retention among persons with BLV to gain in-depth knowledge that is not typically available using survey methods or secondary data sources. METHODS: Intensive interviews using a semi-structured protocol were conducted with 11 persons with BLV and an employment history. Interviews were transcribed, summarized by major themes, and approved by participants. A qualitative software program assisted in further coding, identifying additional themes, and organizing participants’ information. RESULTS: Participants recommended that others with BLV be proficient in assistive technology use, develop networks, and be persistent in achieving goals. Participants had positive and challenging experiences with technology, employers, and the VR service delivery system. Participants reported stress associated with their jobs and concern about their workplace efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that job retention continues to be problematic for persons with BLV. Service delivery systems should explore policies and services that support job retention. Further research concerning job stress, assistive technology, and workplace efficiency is needed.

Michele C. McDonnall, Jennifer L. Cmar

BACKGROUND: Negative employer attitudes are a primary factor associated with low employment rates and high unemployment rates of people with blindness and low vision (B/LV). Research has identified correlates of employer attitudes, but no investigations of the structural relationships between variables have been published. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to extend the current research regarding employer attitudes toward people with B/LV by assessing the structural relationship between variables associated with employer attitudes. METHODS: Participants were 387 hiring managers employed by organizations across the country who completed an online survey. We utilized structural equation modeling to confirm our measurement model and evaluate structural models of predicted relationships between variables. RESULTS: Five variables significantly predicted employer attitudes: awareness of people with disabilities at the worksite, knowledge, inaccurate belief in knowledge, previous hiring of someone with B/LV, and having a personal relationship with someone with B/LV. Previous communication with vocational rehabilitation (VR), having a company policy about hiring people with disabilities, and personal relationship predicted having hired someone with B/LV. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the value of VR professionals providing education about how people with B/LV perform work tasks while communicating with employers and providing trial work experiences to encourage hiring.

Zoya Mehmood, Wardah Zafar, Rahim Hussain et al.

Background: Migraine is a primary headache disorder with a worldwide prevalence rate of 14.7%. The person might feel moderate or severe intensity pain that is pulsating in nature, usually on one side and it is aggravated by routine physical activity, with duration of hours to days. Objective: To determine the frequency of migraine among university students and determine their level of physical activity and to find out the association between migraine and physical activity. Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was conducted, in university students of twin cities of Pakistan (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) from February 2021 to July 2021. A total of 377 participants of either gender were selected through non probability convenient sampling technique on the basis of inclusion criteria of age 18-25 years. Participants with any diagnosed medical health problem, cervicogenic headache, and musculoskeletal disorders were excluded from the study. A self-structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographics; two standard questionnaires; Migraine screening questionnaire and Activity Questionnaire for Adults and Adolescents were used to identify the prevalence of migraine and level of physical activity of the participants. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 26. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.10± 1.96. Out of 377 participants, 78 (20.7%) were males and 299 (79.3%) were females. The overall prevalence of migraine was 34% and 41% of participants reported to be involved in light intensity physical activity. A significant association was found between migraine and physical activity with p value < 0.01. Conclusion: The study results conclude that frequency of migraine is low among university students and majority of the participants are found to have a sedentary lifestyle. Association is found between migraine and physical activity.

Gaurav Shori, Sachin Raghava

Objectives: A helpful functional exercise that tends to correct postural unevenness and attempts to re-establish lumbopelvic mechanics is beneficial for patients with postural impairment. This study evaluates the effects of right sidelying respiratory left adductor pull back exercise on improving hip biomechanics in participants with a tendency to stand on the right side. Methods: A total of 30 subjects (6 females and 24 males) with a Mean±SD age of 28.53±2.62 years, Mean±SD weight of 63.83±3.89 kg, and Mean±SD height of 165.8±3.97 cm were screened based on eligible criteria. Subjects had been randomly allocated into identical groups (Group I: n=15, Group II: n=15). Pre- and post-intervention, active and passive measurements of right and left hip internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, as well as active right and left hip shift were recorded. The intervention was provided to both groups twice a day for 3 weeks. Group I (experimental group) received stretching, strengthening, postural re-education, and right sidelying respiratory left adductor pull back exercise, whereas group II (control group) received only stretching, strengthening, and posture re-education. Results: Statistically significant differences were reported in both groups in the active and passive right and left hip lateral and medial rotation, and abduction range of motion (P<0.05), with right and left hip shift (P<0.05) following the intervention. However, the experimental group showed better improvement compared to the control group. Discussion: The results suggest that right sidelying respiratory left adductor pull back exercise is effective in improving hip biomechanics in participants with a tendency to stand on the right side.

Elena López-Riobóo Moreno, Patricia Páramo Rodriguez, Joanne Mampaso Desbrow

La situación de emergencia sanitaria, SARS-Cov-19, declarada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud aboca a los Centros de Atención Temprana a trasformar el rol del profesional para poder continuar con el buen funcionamiento del servicio. Down Madrid, entidad sin ánimo de lucro, desarrolla un protocolo de trabajo ante las necesidades generadas redefiniendo las funciones prioritarias de aplicación en la teleintervención. Este estudio analiza la valoración de los profesionales respecto a la competencia percibida en la transformación del servicio, describe la satisfacción manifiesta respecto a la teleintervención durante el confinamiento y señala el cambio de rol de la familia asociado. Además, esta investigación identifica, bajo el constructo Planificación Centrada en la Familia, el verdadero empoderamiento de las familias como pilar principal del tratamiento. Los resultados permiten afirmar que el 100 % de los profesionales considera exitosa la interacción con la familia y un 83,3 % percibe un empoderamiento mayor en los familiares como agentes trasformadores del cambio. Como futuras líneas de investigación se precisa aportar mayor evidencia científica que permita afirmar que la simbiosis entre los profesionales y las familias, en el medio telemático, es una realidad.

Teresa NIETO

Ali Sikandar Bhutto, Suhail Karim, Muhammad Junaid Akram et al.

Objective: to determine the effectiveness of Kegel exercises in elderly male and female patients with stress urinary incontinence. Methodology: A quasi experimental study was conducted at In Department of urology of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto medical university, Chandka medical college Larkana Sindh from January 2017 to June 2019. The non-probability convenient sampling technique was used for sample selection. The n=43 patient with the age above 55 years was included in the study. Patient with neurological, cognitive and male with prostate problem were excluded from the study. Both male and female were received intervention of Kegel exercise (KE) for three months and 3-4 time/day. The urinary distress inventory (UDI) and Incontinence impact questionnaire was used for urinary distress and quality of life. The data was obtained at baseline, at 6th week and after 12th week. The mean±SD, n(%), Mean difference (MD), p-value (p<0.05) and effect size (Cohen’s d & partial eta square was use to describe the data. For within group analysis Repeated Measure ANOVA was used and for between the groups analysis independent t-test was used. SPSS ver 21 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 64.97±9.36 year. Within group analysis showed large significant improvement in both, males and females (p<0.05). However, between group differences showed significant improvement with larger effect size in males as compared to females (p<0.05). Conclusion: Kegel exercises are effective therapy for urinary incontinence in both genders. But Kegel exercises are more effective in males for urinary incontinence in improving urinary distress and quality of life.

Joseph K. Gona, Charles Newton, Sally Hartley et al.

Background: Caring for a child with disabilities in a resource-poor setting brings many challenges to the caregiver. We examined the development of self-help groups for caregivers in a rural part of Kenya. Objectives: To conduct a process evaluation on the development of self-help groups during a 10-month set-up period, focusing on implementation and mechanisms associated with their functional status. Methods: Using a realist evaluation design, we set up 20 self-help groups for 254 caregivers. An evaluation was conducted to investigate implementation and mechanisms of impact. Implementation focused on caregiver registration, community group support and monitoring visit compliance. Data were collected from group registers, records of meetings and field notes. Mechanisms of impact employed a framework of strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats to review the groups at the end of the 10-month set-up period. Results: Recruitment resulted in registration of 254 participants to 18 groups – two groups disbanded early. Post-evaluation included 11 active and 7 inactive groups. Compliance with the monitoring visits was consistent across the active groups. All groups engaged in ‘merry-go-round’ activities. The active groups were characterised by strong leadership and at least one successful income generation project; the inactive had inconsistent leadership and had dishonest behaviour both within the group and/or externally in the community. Mediators associated with functional status included the following: available literacy and numeracy skills, regular meetings with consistent attendance by the members, viable income generating projects, geographical proximity of membership and strong leadership for managing threats. Conclusion: Self-help groups have the potential to progress in resource-poor settings. However, critical to group progression are literacy and numeracy skills amongst the members, their geographical proximity, regular meetings of the group, viable income generating projects and strong leadership.

Mirjavad Tabatabaee, Alireza Shamsoddini, Moslem Cheraghifard

Objectives: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive brain damage that leads to movement and balance disorders. One of the new rehabilitation approaches for such children is Kinesio taping. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of lower limbs kinesio taping on static and dynamic balance in children with CP. Methods: In this pilot randomized clinical trial, 30 children with CP were randomly classified into two control and intervention groups each containing 15 subjects. In the intervention group, Kinesio tape was applied with 30% tension on anterior muscles of lower limbs. However, in the control group, Kinesio tape was used just in a sham mode. In both groups, Kinesio tape was used along with occupational therapy interventions for two weeks. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and forward Functional Reach (FR) tests were used before, two days, and two weeks after intervention. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to study the intervention effects, within-group data were analyzed with the paired t-test, and between-group effects were assessed using independent t-test. Results: Short term results (two days after intervention) indicated no significant difference between the scores of BBS (P=0.7) and FR (P=0.08) in the intervention group, and BBS (P= 0.8) and FR (P=0.1) in the control group. Long term results indicated a significant change in BBS (P<0.001) and FR (P<0.001) in the intervention group, however, no significant changes were observed in FR (P=0.1) and BBS (P=0.8) in the control groups.  Discussion: Application of Kinesio tape on lower limbs of children with CP improved their balance. Therefore, this method can be used in rehabilitation clinics for functional improvement of children with Cerebral Palsy.

Secretaría de redacción SIGLO CERO

Secretaría de Redacción SIGLO CERO

Shazia Rafique, Muhammad Junaid Ijaz, Muhammad Adeel et al.

Background: Serious burn prompts to a condition of hyper catabolism, bringing about fast muscle damage and long term disability. As life expectancy from severe burn are enhancing, early restoration is vital to boost functional recovery. The prevalence of burn in 2004 was 11 million worldwide. Objective of Study: To assess the effects of active range of motion exercises in combination with stretching exercises on burn patients. Methodology: It was aquasi-experimental study. The study was conducted in Burn and Plastic Surgery Department, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. The study was completed in five months from September 2015 to February 2016 after the approval of synopsis.There was two groups and each group was allocated with 20 patients. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used. Group 1 received active range of motion and stretching exercises while group 2 received active range of motion exercises alone for three sessions a week for 4 weeks. Demographics data, pain intensity on visual analogue scale (VAS), functional status of affected region on burn functional assessment scale (BFAS) and range of motion through Goniometer were recorded before and after the treatment. Data were entered and analyzed through Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Results: Baseline measurements for pain intensity on VAS for group 1 was 7.04+1.46 that changed to 1.71+0.56 and for group 2 it was changed from 6.684+1.25 to 2.63+0.76. Burn Functional Assessment Score for group 1 and 2 were 29.23+5.03 and 29.94+4.65 and that were changed to 8.86+2.69 and 12.42+2.06 respectively. Conclusion: Active range of motion along with stretching exercises was more effective than the active range of motion alone in reducing pain intensity, functional activities and range of motion of involved limb for treatment of burn patients. Key words: Burn patients, stretching, active range of motion

Hamideh Ghaemi, Davood Sobhani-Rad, Ali Arabi et al.

Objectives: The basal ganglia (BG) controls different patterns of behavior by receiving inputs from sensory-motor and pre-motor cortex and projecting it to pre-frontal, pre-motor and supplementary motor areas. As the exact role of BG in swallowing process has not been fully determined, we aimed at reviewing the published data on neurological control in the swallowing technique to have a better understanding of BG&rsquo;s role in this performance.&nbsp; Methods: English-language articles, which were published before December 2015 and eligible for the present research, were extracted from databases according to the inclusion criteria, i.e. articles related to &ldquo;neurological aspects of swallowing&rdquo; and/or &ldquo;lesions of sub-cortical or BG relevant to swallowing disorders&rdquo;.&nbsp; Results: This systematic review indicates that BG is a complicated neurological structure with indistinct functions and that swallowing is a sophisticated process with several unknown aspects.&nbsp; Discussion: Swallowing is a multifaceted performance that needs contribution of the tongue, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus as well as the neurological structures such as neocortex and subcortical regions - BG and brainstem.

Younes Lotfi, Nima Rezazadeh, Abdollah Moossavi et al.

The vestibular system is important for the development of normal movement reactions,&nbsp;motion tolerance, and motor control for postural alignment, balance, and vision. A vestibular&nbsp;system that is damaged by disease or injury in childhood can have a major impact on a child&rsquo;s&nbsp;development. In addition, the emergence of vestibular lesions may also lead to cognitive&nbsp;deficits, including attention deficit. Despite the advances in testing and documentation of&nbsp;vestibular deficits in children, the vestibular problems continue to be an overlooked entity.&nbsp;Many children do not receive treatment that could significantly improve function and address&nbsp;the developmental delays caused by vestibular disorders. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has been defined as an effective modality for most&nbsp;individuals with disorders of the vestibular or central balance system disorders. The basis for&nbsp;the success of VRT is the use of existing neural mechanisms in the human brain for adaptation,&nbsp;plasticity, and compensation. The vestibular system cannot be considered as a separate entity ignoring other balance subsystems. Hence, a modified VRT program, named pediatric balance&nbsp;therapy with special modifications in exercises, was developed for children with vestibular&nbsp;disorders, in accordance to the whole balance system.