Disabil Health J
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Controlled Clinical Trial
A curriculum on care for people with disabilities: effects on medical student self-reported attitudes and comfort level.
Early, frequent encounters with people with disabilities may improve medical students' knowledge, attitudes and skills regarding their care. We developed and implemented a longitudinal four-year curriculum addressing caring for people with disabilities. ⋯ Exposure of medical students to a longitudinal curriculum for caring for people with disabilities led to significant improvement in several factors related to comfort and attitudes. The gender-related reinforcement of some negative attitudes merits further investigation and caution when implementing the curriculum in the future.
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Comparative Study
Obesity and symptoms and quality of life indicators of individuals with disabilities.
Health risks of obesity are well known, but effects of obesity on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have not been well-studied in people with physical disabilities. ⋯ Obesity in people with physical disabilities is associated with poorer HRQOL. More research is needed to inform clinicians in identifying obese patients and helping them achieve healthy weight, reduce symptom burden, and improve QOL.
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The prevalence of disability, as defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), among the middle-aged and elderly population is poorly known. ⋯ For the first time, this study furnishes detailed disability prevalence figures and data on associated variables in a middle-aged and elderly Western population.