Article

Aphasia is a communication disorder associated with impairments in
spoken language, understanding, reading and writing that impacts upon daily
activities, participation in society and the quality of life of those with the
condition and their family members. Despite existing literature demonstrating the
pervasive and significant effects of aphasia on family members, rehabilitation
programming, policy and funding are not well developed. The aim of this
qualitative study was to describe the impact of aphasia on family members in the
context of changes to their functioning and disability using the framework of the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
Application of ICF concept of disability or "third-party disability" to family
members of people with a health condition is discussed. METHOD: Twenty family
members participated in individual in-depth semi-structured interviews.
Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Research codes
generated were subsequently mapped to the ICF. RESULTS: The results of this study
showed that family members experienced positive, neutral and/or negative changes
to their body functions and activities and participation due to their significant
other's aphasia. Moreover, some family members attributed the development of a
health condition or exacerbation of an existing health condition to the aphasia.
CONCLUSION: Interpreted within the framework of the ICF, the results of this
qualitative study reveal that family members of people with aphasia experience
changes to their functioning and disability, known as "third-party functioning
and disability", as a consequence of the health condition of a significant other.

Langue : ANGLAIS