Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: November | Volume: 8 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 226-237
ICF-Based Analysis of Psychological and Functional Aspects of Tinnitus
Ms. Madhumita James1, Dr. Arun Banik2
1Audiologist and Speech Therapist, Nalco Hospital, Angul, Odisha
2Head, Material Development Department, Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities, Mumbai
Corresponding Author: Ms. Madhumita James
ABSTRACT
The conceptual International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) framework which defines functioning and disability in a new broader, universal perspective has been used to study tinnitus. 22 adults between 30-60 years with tinnitus were included in the study. Routine audiological assessment was followed by administering THI, HHIA and HADS on the subjects. To enhance the context of response, concept mapping of the scales to domains under BF and AP of ICF was done prior to administration. Kappa statistic showed moderate agreement for THI (k= 0.519, p=0.005), fair agreement for HHIA (k= 0.519, p=0.04) and moderate to substantial agreement for HADS (k= 0.595, p=0.02) items. Comparison of performance scores between Body Functions(BF) and Activities and Participation (AP) using Mann Whitney test showed statistically significant high mean score of 32.27 for BF compared to12.73 for AP (U = 27, p <0.05). Findings indicated psychological issues related to tinnitus were more dominant compared to functional issues. Kruskal - Wallis test conducted to study the comparisons of AP and BF scores across the THI severity grades showed no significant difference (χ2 = 3.15, p=0.20) of AP scores, whereas BF scores varied significantly across THI severity levels (χ2 = 6.28, p=0.03). This suggested an equal impact of tinnitus on Activity Limitation and Participation Restriction (AL/PR) of subjects irrespective of its perceived severity.
Key words: International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health, Activity Limitation, Participation Restriction, Tinnitus, Anxiety, Depression