Article

Differences in language and literacy impede our understanding of the
impact of disability around the world. Since function is primarily action, the
computer-animated Language Independent Functional Evaluation (L.I.F.E.) might
bypass the use of written or verbal scales. This study validates L.I.F.E. in a
developing world population. METHODS: Families were randomly chosen from the city
centre, suburban 'ger' districts and countryside of Arvaikheer, Mongolia. The
L.I.F.E. and cross-translated Mongolian Barthel Index were administered in random
order. Demographics including subjective observation of disability were gathered.
L.I.F.E. scores were converted to Barthel equivalents. RESULTS: One hundred
forty-four persons completed the test, 24 answered for other persons. Persons
with observed disability had lower L.I.F.E. scores (64.55 vs. 94.53, p < 0.001).
L.I.F.E. and Barthel scores related well. (Spearman's rho = 0.757, p < 0.001; for
persons with observed disability Pearson r = 0.820, p < 0.001). Individual
functions all had high interclass correlations (>0.75), except bowel and bladder,
which had moderate correlations. Qualitative inquiry found the L.I.F.E. was
preferred over the Barthel. CONCLUSIONS: Using L.I.F.E., function can be measured
without language or literacy. L.I.F.E. expands our ability to measure and compare
the prevalence of disability and the impact of rehabilitation across regions
perhaps leading to more rational allocation of resources.

Langue : ANGLAIS