Changes in ability, perceived difficulty and use of assistive devices in everyday life: a 4-year follow-up study in people with late effects of polio.

BACKGROUND

There are numbers of persons living in the community with late effects of polio, of which many develop new symptoms, but the course of progression is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess changes after 4 years in ability and perceived difficulty in persons with late effects of polio.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Community dwelling persons from a polio clinic. Information was gathered by questionnaire and interview on demographics, age at polio onset, affected body parts, health problems, the use of assistive devices, housing condition and activities of daily living (ADL) function as well as perceived difficulties.

RESULTS

There were no significant increase in frequency of ADL dependency but perceived difficulties increased significantly and more used mobility devices.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 4 years, more persons perceived difficulties and the use of assistive devices increased. This is might reflect adaptation and acknowledgement of problems previously ignored. Time is a factor in integrating knowledge and adaptation.