Participation, environment, and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy and physical disabilities

AIM: To compare and examine relationships between participation, environmental factors, and quality of life (QoL) in children with cerebral palsy and physical disability (CP/PD) and typically developing children. METHOD: Participants were 59 children (6-12 years; 31 females): 30 with CP/PD (mean age 8 years 7 months, standard deviation 1 year 6 months) and 29 with typical development (mean age 8 years 2 months, standard deviation 1 year 6 months). Parents completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth to assess participation, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory to assess QoL, and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Gross motor function and additional functional classifications were recorded for the CP/PD group. RESULTS: Involvement in activities, frequency of participation, and QoL were significantly lower in the CP/PD group than in the typically developing group. The gross motor function levels of the CP/PD group positively correlated with their participation in home activities levels. Community-setting support significantly predicted QoL and mediated (β = 0.66, p < 0.001) between disability level and QoL. INTERPRETATION: Community-setting support is crucial for enhancing QoL for children with CP/PD. Rehabilitation should emphasize community engagement to improve the children's participation and well-being.