Evaluating the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework as an employment model for people with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to integrate the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and Stages of Change (SOC) frameworks into a comprehensive employment model for people with epilepsy. The contribution of each individual ICF construct and the interaction effects on work motivation were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS: Results from the hierarchical regression analysis revealed that demographic variables (e.g., work disincentives), disability-related variables (e.g., number of antiepileptic drugs), work-related variables (e.g., general employability, work tolerance, and work communication skills), and environmental variables (e.g., perceived stigma and social support) accounted for more than 55% of the variance in work motivation in this study. CONCLUSION: This study contributes new knowledge about the effect of work functioning, personal factors, and environmental factors on work motivation of people with epilepsy. Specifically, it provides a thorough understanding of complex person-environment factors and their interaction effects on employment, providing theoretical guidance and research evidence for developing and validating efficacious, effective, and efficient employment interventions.