Citation

Colver A, Thyen U, Arnaud C, Beckung E, Fauconnier J, Marcelli M, McManus V, Michelsen SI, Parkes J, Parkinson K, Dickinson HO. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2012; 93(12): 2154-2164.

Affiliation

Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2012.07.011

PMID

22846455

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate how participation of children with cerebral palsy varied with their environment DESIGN:: Home visits to children. Administration of Life-H and European Child Environment Questionnaires. Structural equation modelling of putative associations between specific domains of participation and environment, while allowing for severity of child's impairments and pain. SETTING:: European regions with population based registers of children with cerebral palsy PARTICIPANTS:: 1,174 children aged 8-12 years were randomly selected from eight population-based registers of children with cerebral palsy in six European countries. 743 (63%) agreed to participate; one further region recruited 75 children from multiple sources. Thus there were 818 children in the study. INTERVENTIONS:: Not applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:: Participation in life situations RESULTS:: For the hypothesised associations, the models confirmed that higher participation was associated with better availability of environmental items. Higher participation in daily activities - mealtimes, health hygiene, personal care and home life - was significantly associated with a better physical environment at home (p<0.01). Mobility was associated with transport and the physical environment in the community. Participation in social roles (responsibilities, relationships, recreation) was associated with attitudes of classmates and social support at home. School participation was associated with attitudes of teachers and therapists. Environment explained between 14% and 52% of the variation in participation. CONCLUSIONS:: The findings confirmed the social model of disability. The physical, social and attitudinal environment of disabled children influences their participation in everyday activities and social roles.

Language: en