Using the ICF to develop the capability-oriented database of persons with disabilities: a case study in Nakornpanom province, Thailand

Purpose: This study aims to determine functioning information, rehabilitation needs, and environmental barriers of persons with disabilities (PWDs) using a developed ICF-based questionnaire with community survey approach in Thailand. Method: A systematic review of the use of ICF and disability surveys from January 2000– June 2010 was undertaken. A questionnaire was then developed and tested in two pilot studies before using in a face-to-face interview conducted with legally registered PWDs in Nakornpanom province. Forty-six ICF codes were used in the questionnaire; two second-level codes in body functions, 18 second-level and six third-level codes in activities & participation and 14 second-level and six third-level codes in environmental factors. Each code had 2–6 qualifiers. Results: One thousand and seven PWDs (56.6% male, mean age = 48.4 ± 0.64 years) were interviewed by 16 trained-interviewers. Interview duration was approximately 17 min. The functioning profile could be revealed for both individual ...