Community Participation and Transition Outcomes in Youth with Spina Bifida and Other Chronic Health Conditions in an Urban Children ’s Hospital Outpatient Clinic

AbstractPurpose of ReviewCommunity participation and emerging adult transition outcomes are important to consider as they appear to have implications upon health outcomes and an individual ’s ability to take on adult roles within society. To our knowledge, the relationship between community participation of CYSHCN (Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs) in relation to transition outcomes, particularly in the spina bifida population, is not well described.Recent FindingsParticipation in community activities is lower in transitioning youth with spina bifida compared to transitioning youth with other chronic health conditions; however, both groups show limited community participation. Community participation is associated with desired transition outcomes including an individual ’s engagement in friendships, peer activities, and family activities, and an individual’s sense of independence.SummaryThe present results suggest that community participation among youth with special health care needs is associated with desired transition outcomes and can contribute to improved quality of life.
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research