Functional Impairment Associated with Buruli Ulcer

 

NOTE: The functional impairments may be shared by other infectious diseases such as mycetoma, filariasis and osteomyelitis.

 

Physical consequences of a Buruli ulcer:

(1) skin ulceration

(2) secondary infection

(3) amputation of a limb

(4) scarring and contracture

 

Functional activities evaluated:

(1) preparation of food and eating

(2) clothing and personal care

(3) working

(4) mobility

 

The level of impairment for each activity depends on the location of the injury and the importance of the affected region on performing the activity. The level and type of impairment is affected by whether the upper and/or lower extremities are affected.

 

Food preparation and eating:

(1) fetching water from the pump

(2) pound fufu

(3) pouring water from a bottle into a glass

(4) cutting vegetables with a knife

 

Clothing and personal care:

(1) putting on a T-shirt

(2) washing self

(3) cleaning self after going to the toilet

 

Working:

(1) using a cutlass

(2) carrying heavy loads on the head

(3) carry harvest home

(4) opening a bottle with a screw top

(5) tie a knot

 

Mobility:

(1) walking on level ground

(2) walking uphill

(3) walking downhill

(4) running

(5) squatting

(6) kneeling

(7) standing up from the floor

 

Responses	Points
easily, normal	0
with difficulty	1
impossible	2
not applicable	0

 

Additional impairment arose because of:

(1) financial difficulties

(2) embarrassment