Characteristics of disability and handicap among Toxic Oil Syndrome (TOS) cohort patients: a cross-sectional study, 17 years after the original food intoxication.
OBJECTIVE
In 1981, a progressive multi-systemic disease called Toxic Oil Syndrome (TOS) appeared in Spain as an epidemic that affected 20,000 people. The International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH) was chosen to characterize the health status of patients more severely affected by TOS.


METHODS
A random sample of 292 with permanent disability was selected. Disability was assessed with a questionnaire based on ICIDH and the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire. Handicap was measured using London Handicap Scale. Distributions of the proportions and 95% confidence intervals for disabilities, handicaps were calculated and stratified by dimensions, age and sex. The chi2 test was used for inter-group comparisons.


RESULTS
Two hundred and fourteen patients were interviewed. Mobility-related and behaviour disabilities were most prevalent. Disability rose with age and was higher among women, except for behaviour disabilities which were more frequent in young men. Mean handicap score was 78.0 +/- 12.7. Handicap dimensions most affected were physical independence and economic self-sufficiency.


CONCLUSIONS
The health profile of the population hardest hit by TOS is characterized by the presence of important functional and psychosocial disabilities that limit performance of daily living activities and social role, and are in accord with the handicap that such persons suffer.
Martín-Arribas
María Concepción
MC
Toxic Oil Syndrome and Rare Diseases Centre, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
Izquierdo Martínez
Maravillas
M
de Andrés Copa
Pilar
P
Ferrari Arroyo
María José
MJ
Posada de la Paz
Manuel
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D029741:Brassica rapa; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D008875:Middle Aged; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000506:poisoning*; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D010938:Plant Oils