Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the problems experienced by young adults with cerebral
palsy (CP) and the relationship between those problems and personal and
CP-related characteristics. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING:
Rehabilitation centers in the southwest Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Young adults
(N=87; aged 18-22y) with CP and normal intelligence (roughly corresponding to an
intelligence quotient >70, excluding participants who attended schools for those
with learning disabilities). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME
MEASURES: We used the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in a
semistructured interview to assess participants for experienced problems. We
further categorized experienced problems according to the domains of the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and assessed
the relationship between those problems and personal and CP-related
characteristics (eg, age, sex, level of gross motor functioning, manual ability,
level of education) using appropriate correlation coefficients. RESULTS:
Approximately 70% of participants experienced problems in daily life, addressing
the areas of self-care (59%), productivity (52%), and leisure activities (37%).
More specifically, problems were most prevalent in recreation and leisure (30%),
preparing meals (29%), housework (14%), and dressing (14%). Problems in
functional mobility, paid or unpaid work, and socialization were considered as
most important (represented by the highest mean importance score). Mobility
problems were associated with lower levels of gross motor functioning (Spearman
rho=.39), and problems with self-care were associated with lower levels of manual
ability (Spearman rho=.40). CONCLUSIONS: Although frequently addressed during
pediatric rehabilitation care, problems with mobility and self-care still prevail
in young adults with CP. In addition, during the transition into adulthood, young
adults with CP may experience problems regarding domestic life and work, which
they consider important.

Langue : ANGLAIS