Evaluating the World Health Organization (WHO)'s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a Biopsychosocial Epilepsy Self-Management Model

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world, impacting over 50 million people. Research suggests that adults constitute the largest, and fastest, growing demographic of those who experience epilepsy onset, and subsequent diagnosis. Given the debilitating effects of epilepsy, and the implications that it maintains for neurological, physical, and psychosocial functioning and health, it is crucial that those affected engage in behaviors and actions that foster seizure control and positive health outcomes. These behaviors and actions are commonly referred to as epilepsy self-management.

This study examined the relationship between biopsychosocial factors and epilepsy self-management among people with adult-onset epilepsy. It utilized the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework as a biopsychosocial model for predicting health self-management among people with adult-onset epilepsy (PWE-AO). Biopsychosocial constructs, indicative of the ICF framework, were operationalized as seizure-related factors, neuropsychological factors, activity limitations, environmental contextual factors, and personal contextual factors.

The findings from this study indicated that two of the operationalized ICF constructs accounted for significant variance in epilepsy self-management participation for PWE-AO. More so, experiences regarding diagnosis experience, social support, social stigma, and self-stigma were found to be significant contributors to participation in epilepsy self-management. Furthermore, research findings support the ICF model as a tool that could be utilized in the development of effective epilepsy self-management interventions for PWE-AO.