Which statement is true regarding environmental factors in the ICF model?

• A. They are external to the person and can impact functioning
• B. They are not considered in the ICF
• C. They refer only to physical barriers
• D. They are the same as health condition

Answer: (A)

Environmental factors in the ICF are external elements that can either support or hinder a person’s functioning and participation. They’re part of the contextual factors that surround an individual and interact with the health condition to influence what someone can do. These factors include the physical and built environment, products and technology, social support and relationships, and societal attitudes, policies, and services. Because they can either facilitate or obstruct functioning, statements that they are external and can impact functioning are accurate. They’re not ignored in the ICF, they’re not limited to physical barriers, and they’re distinct from the health condition itself—the health condition is the medical issue, while environmental factors modify its impact on everyday life.