Use of ICF in Assessing the Effects of Meniere's Disorder on Life

Objectives We sought to determine the value of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in subjects with Meniere's disorder in relation to their quality of life. Methods We asked 228 members of the Finnish Meniere Federation to report the effects that Meniere's disorder had on their lives. The replies were classified on the basis of the ICF classification and related to the EuroQol 5D score and disease-specific impact. Logistic regression and decision tree analyses were used to determine the relationships. Results Seventy percent of the patients listed impairments, 39% activity limitations, 47% participation restrictions, 16% effects on environmental contextual factors, and 28% effects on personal contextual factors. The EuroQol 5D score was explained by reported vertigo, anxiety, fatigue, restriction of life, and communication problems. The disease-specific impact was explained by episodes of vertigo, fatigue, communication problems, inability to work, restriction of life, and uncertainty of life. Both analysis models provided the same outcome variables, although the decision tree separated the results better (80%) into correct classes than did logistic regression analysis (60%). Conclusions Self-reported participation restriction, activity limitation, and personal contextual factors describe the limitations of general life in subjects with Meniere's disorder. The use of the ICF classification provides an instrument that can be used in enablement of subjects with Meniere's disorder.