219931 Analysis of assistive technology use in boys aged 5-21 with Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Shawnell Damon, MPH , College of Medicine, University Of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Jennifer Andrews, MBA , College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Christopher Cunniff, MD , College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
F. John Meaney, PhD , College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Abstract Objectives: The purpose of the study was to assess the frequency of use of assistive technology (AT) devices in a population of boys with Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy (DBMD) between 5 and 21 years of age and analyze the relationships between use and socio-demographic variables. Methods: The data were obtained from a questionnaire provided to affected individuals and their caregivers regarding the use of AT. The interviews were conducted in both English and Spanish. The questionnaire asked questions about usual and typical assistive devices, assessed if the AT device was ever used, date of first use, and current use. Descriptive statistics and tests for associations of AT use with age, race, education, and income were completed. Results: Of the 136 families enrolled in the study, 65 (48%) completed the questionnaire. Eighty-two percent reported some form of AT use related to DBMD. The most frequently used AT devices were mobility devices (72%), architectural elements such as home modifications (55%), hygiene aids (51%), computer hardware (46%), and computer software (39%). Individuals who used personal care and computer AT devices were older than those who did not, while those using AT devices for mobility were similar in age to non-users. Overall use of AT was not associated with race, income, or education.

Conclusions: DBMD families rely heavily on assistive technology devices. Assistive technology for mobility is the most commonly used AT among individuals with DBMD. Usage of assistive technology devices such as computers and personal care increases with age.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Other professions or practice related to public health
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
Describe utilization of Assitive Technology devices by individuals with Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy. Describe the types of Assitive Technology most commonly used by individuals with Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy. Identify factors that are related to use of Assitive Technology among individuals with Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Assessments

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an abstract author because I was responsible for recruitment, data collection, data analysis and used this work to fulfill my requirements from my Masters in Public Health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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