Characteristics of disability and handicap among Toxic Oil Syndrome (TOS) cohort patients: a cross-sectional study, 17 years after the original food intoxication.

Purpose : In 1981, a progressive multi-systemic disease called Toxic Oil Syndrome (TOS) appeared in Spain as an epidemic that affected 20 000 people. The International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH) was chosen to characterize the health status of patients more severely affected by TOS. Methods : A random sample of 292 with permanent disability was selected. Disability was assessed with a questionnaire based on ICIDH and the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire. Handicap was measured using London Handicap Scale. Distributions of the proportions and 95% confidence intervals for disabilities, handicaps were calculated and stratified by dimensions, age and sex. The χ2 test was used for inter-group comparisons. Results : Two hundred and fourteen patients were interviewed. Mobility-related and behaviour disabilities were most prevalent. Disability rose with age and was higher among women, except for behaviour disabilities which were more frequent in young men. Mean handica...