The association between post-polio symptoms as measured by the Index of Post-Polio Sequelae and self-reported functional status

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between self-reported severity of polio sequelae and current functional status among polio survivors.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study of 195 polio survivors attending a polio outpatient clinic at a university hospital. The main outcome measures of demographic, medical, social, and functional data were gleaned from a questionnaire adapted for the polio population. The severity of polio sequelae was evaluated with the self-reported Index of Post-Polio Sequelae (IPPS).

Results: The mean age of our sample was 57.6 ± 10.5 years, 53% were men, 38% had acquired higher education and 37% were employed. We found significant correlations between the total IPPS score and independence in activity of daily living (P<0.05), the use of walking aids (P<0.005) and mobility in and out-of-doors (P<0.0001). A positive correlation was also found between the total IPPS score and subjective assessment of physical and mental health (P<0.0001).

Conclusions: Higher disability in ADL and mobility and lower perception of physical and mental health in polio survivors were associated with a higher score on the IPPS, reflecting greater severity of polio sequelae. These findings demonstrate the IPPS as a useful tool in the clinical evaluation of the polio population, however further data is needed in order to determine if this index can assess clinically significant changes over time.

Keywords: Functional outcomes; Health status; Index of Post-Polio Sequelae (IPPS); Poliomyelitis.