Demographics of wheelchair users in France: Results of national community-based handicaps-incapacités-dépendance surveys

Abstract

Sociodemographic studies on the use of wheelchairs need to pay greater attention to people living in institutions. The prevalence of wheelchair use in France appears to be far lower than in other western countries, and this observation needs to be examined further with intercultural comparisons.

Manual wheelchair satisfaction among long-term users and caregivers: A French study

“…The population studied was an average age of 55.4 ± 19.8 yr, with 70 women and 62 men. In comparison with the study by Vignier et al [5], our population is younger. This is likely related to the recruitment method.…”

“…Vignier et al showed that half of this population has cognitive impairments and two-thirds have some communication difficulties and memory disorders [5]. The population studied was an average age of 55.4 ± 19.8 yr, with 70 women and 62 men.…”

“…In France, 62 persons per 10,000 (i.e., 360,000 people) use a wheelchair [5]. This figure includes 59 persons per 10,000 who use a manual wheelchair (MW), which may be foldable, rigid, sporty, or designed specifically for comfort [5]. These people use an MW for various reasons: neurological disorders, genetic disorders, cognitive deficits, pathology of the lower limb and trunk, or agerelated changes.…”

“…Among mobility assistive devices currently available, canes are used the most for improving mobility among persons with motor impairments and functional disabilities, whereas wheelchairs rank second; 1 percent of the world population requires a wheelchair, but only 0.3 percent are wheelchair users [4]. In France, 62 persons per 10,000 (i.e., 360,000 people) use a wheelchair [5]. This figure includes 59 persons per 10,000 who use a manual wheelchair (MW), which may be foldable, rigid, sporty, or designed specifically for comfort [5].…”

“…The age-related changes category includes participants more than 60 yr old who have a reduced level of independence and safety during ambulation due to various age-related changes (e.g., balance problems, muscle weakness) and risk of falls. The majority of MW users (MWUs) live at home (57%), but this trend reverses with age and elderly MWUs mainly live in institutions [5]. With a revenue of €133.8 million ($141.2 million) in 2007, the wheelchair industry is large and still growing (8% growth between 1996 and 2001) [6].…”