Sander R Hilberink1, Wilma M A van der Slot2, Martijn Klem3. 1. BOSK, Association of Physically Disabled Persons, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: s.r.hilberink@hetnet.nl. 2. Rijndam Rehabilitation Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. 3. BOSK, Association of Physically Disabled Persons, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: More attention and understanding of the health and participation problems of adults with early and later onset disabilities in the Netherlands is needed. OBJECTIVE: To explore health/participation problems and unmet needs in adults aged ≥40 years with long-term disabilities and their relationship with the time of onset. METHODS: Participants were recruited in the Netherlands through newsletters and social media to participate in a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed background characteristics, (change in) health/participation problems, and unmet needs. Spearman's rho was used to examine the relationships with time of onset. RESULTS: Of the 163 survey respondents, 42% acquired their disability before age 25 years and reported fatigue (77%), walking problems (66%), and pain (59%). In 21% of the respondents with early-onset disability fatigue, pain and depressive feelings co-occurred. Early-onset disability correlated with joint deformities, pain and anxiety. Participation problems included loss of income and fewer social activities. Early-onset correlated with the need for more information about diagnosis and prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: People aged over 40 years with long-term disability have significant and increasing health and participation problems. Adults with early-onset disability are more likely to have health or participation problems than adults with late-onset disability. Early identification is needed for preventive care and access to specialized services that focus on improving and maintaining physical symptoms, energy management, and participation.
BACKGROUND: More attention and understanding of the health and participation problems of adults with early and later onset disabilities in the Netherlands is needed. OBJECTIVE: To explore health/participation problems and unmet needs in adults aged ≥40 years with long-term disabilities and their relationship with the time of onset. METHODS:Participants were recruited in the Netherlands through newsletters and social media to participate in a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed background characteristics, (change in) health/participation problems, and unmet needs. Spearman's rho was used to examine the relationships with time of onset. RESULTS: Of the 163 survey respondents, 42% acquired their disability before age 25 years and reported fatigue (77%), walking problems (66%), and pain (59%). In 21% of the respondents with early-onset disability fatigue, pain and depressive feelings co-occurred. Early-onset disability correlated with joint deformities, pain and anxiety. Participation problems included loss of income and fewer social activities. Early-onset correlated with the need for more information about diagnosis and prognosis. CONCLUSIONS:People aged over 40 years with long-term disability have significant and increasing health and participation problems. Adults with early-onset disability are more likely to have health or participation problems than adults with late-onset disability. Early identification is needed for preventive care and access to specialized services that focus on improving and maintaining physical symptoms, energy management, and participation.