While it is widely assumed that disability, poverty and health are closely linked, this is the first critical review on the subject that explicitly asks: 'What is the current evidence base for the link between poverty, disability and health in low-and middle-income countries?The methods used have been adapted from the EPPI Centre (EPPI-Centre, 2007) and the
Inadequate treatment provision for clubfoot in many low and middle-income countries results in a high prevalence of neglected clubfoot, a condition causing severe impairment. This study critically reviewed evidence on surgical, conservative and mixed (Ponseti) treatment interventions for clubfoot in low and middle-income countries. Intervention effectiveness was analysed by comparing outcomes within International Classification of Functioning groupings. Contextual factors were qualitatively analysed for effect on intervention outcomes. The Ponseti method appeared to be more effective than conservative techniques but was not directly comparable with surgical techniques. Contextual factors were reported to influence outcomes; service providers using the Ponseti technique had made most intentional steps to overcome contextual barriers.
AIM Cerebral palsy (CP) is recognized as a lifespan condition. This mapping review identifies outcomes that have been measured in adults with CP between 1970 and 2010 to determine if either the outcomes evaluated or the research methodologies have changed substantially.METHOD We performed a literature review. For studies to be included, participants had to be 16 years or older and 80% of the sample had to have a diagnosis of CP. Articles were grouped by decade, and outcomes were categorized using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework and terminology.RESULTS Fifty-eight articles were included in the mapping review. Both the number of studies and the types of outcomes investigated increased from 1970 to 2010. Outcomes representing the ICF component of Body Function and Structure were present across the period reviewed, whereas interest in contextual (personal or environmental) factors has primarily emerged since 2000.INTERPRETATION Gaps were identified by the mapping review. Large age ranges and heterogeneity of sample populations made it difficult to determine if the outcomes reported were due to ageing or the long-term consequences of CP. In addition, most reviewed articles described outcomes categorically, with few papers providing explanations or solutions to reported outcomes.As recognized by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), 1 disability is no longer singularly defined by a person's abilities. Rather, it is the product of the interaction between a person's abilities and contextual influences. This interaction is also recognized in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.2 Historically, cerebral palsy (CP) was considered a paediatric condition, and most research and rehabilitation interventions focused on children. However, the life expectancy of persons with CP is similar to that of the typical population, with 90% of children with a diagnosis of CP surviving to adulthood.3 CP is now viewed as a lifespan condition 4 and the outcomes of adults with CP are receiving increased attention. 5 The long-term outcomes described in the literature on adults with CP have not been well documented. Therefore, questions that arise are (1) has the focus of research moved from impairment-based outcomes to outcomes that represent the ICF components of Activity and Participation? and (2) to what extent have environmental factors such as social policy and societal attitudes been examined and evaluated in the literature discussing the development of persons with CP into adulthood?The purpose of this mapping review was to identify and categorize the types of outcomes evaluated in the research literature over the past four decades concerning adults with a diagnosis of CP. The review is valuable for two reasons. First, it will show if research in the area has changed over this period, in either the outcomes evaluated or the research methodology used. Second, a synthesis of this literature will identify gaps...
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