Environmental Barriers Affecting the Function of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis Based on ICF Core Set

Abstract

Background: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) can identify body function, structure impairment, activity limitation, participation restriction, and contextual factors. Objectives: Considering the importance of the role of environmental barriers in disability and function, this study aimed to investigate the environmental barriers affecting the function of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) based on the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals with MS who are registered in the ICF Medical Commission. The participants completed the consent form, the Persian version of the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and a demographic questionnaire based on the ICF Core Set for MS. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 25). Results: A total of 140 individuals with MS (34 males and 106 females) participated in this study. The most frequently reported environmental barriers were structural and physical, and the least frequently reported barriers were related to work and school. The barriers related to attitudes and support were significantly associated with the motor function (P = 0.003) and total FIM score (P = 0.002). The variables of attitudes and support and policies were the main predictors of motor function (RS = 0.093, P < 0.001) and the total FIM score (RS = 0.109, P < 0.001), respectively. None of the barriers was significant and predictive of cognitive function. Conclusions: Since environmental barriers can affect the function of MS patients, authorities should implement the necessary strategies to eliminate these barriers and facilitate participation.