Joan A C Verhoef1, Inge Bramsen, Harald S Miedema, Henk J Stam, Marij E Roebroeck. 1. Erasmus University Medical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Research Centre Innovations in Care, PO Box 2040, NL-3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: J.A.C.Verhoef@hr.nl.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To document the development of work participation in young adults with cerebral palsy who are transitioning into adulthood, examine associated characteristics, and investigate work limitations and barriers among employed persons. DESIGN: Observational longitudinal cohort study. SUBJECTS: Seventy-four young adults with cerebral palsy of average intelligence, aged 16-20 years at baseline. METHODS: Work participation in 3 categories (employed, unemployed, studying) was assessed at baseline, 2-year and 4-year follow-ups using structured interviews. At 4-year follow-up, associations of work participation with demographic and clinical characteristics were examined using multinomial logistic regression. Work limitations and barriers among employed persons were evaluated using questionnaires. RESULTS: From age range 16-20 years to age range 20-24 years the proportions of subjects who were employed and unemployed increased from 12% to 49% and 3% to 17%, respectively; the proportion who were students decreased from 85% to 34%. In the age range 20-24 years, the employment rate of young adults with cerebral palsy was lower and the unemployment rate higher, than that of the general population. A lower level of gross motor function and younger age were associated with unemployment. Employed persons experienced few work limitations; 28% experienced situational or health barriers. CONCLUSION: Young adults with cerebral palsy and average intelligence are at risk of experiencing unfavourable developments in work participation. Rehabilitation services should offer support to prevent unemployment and occupational disability.
OBJECTIVE: To document the development of work participation in young adults with cerebral palsy who are transitioning into adulthood, examine associated characteristics, and investigate work limitations and barriers among employed persons. DESIGN: Observational longitudinal cohort study. SUBJECTS: Seventy-four young adults with cerebral palsy of average intelligence, aged 16-20 years at baseline. METHODS: Work participation in 3 categories (employed, unemployed, studying) was assessed at baseline, 2-year and 4-year follow-ups using structured interviews. At 4-year follow-up, associations of work participation with demographic and clinical characteristics were examined using multinomial logistic regression. Work limitations and barriers among employed persons were evaluated using questionnaires. RESULTS: From age range 16-20 years to age range 20-24 years the proportions of subjects who were employed and unemployed increased from 12% to 49% and 3% to 17%, respectively; the proportion who were students decreased from 85% to 34%. In the age range 20-24 years, the employment rate of young adults with cerebral palsy was lower and the unemployment rate higher, than that of the general population. A lower level of gross motor function and younger age were associated with unemployment. Employed persons experienced few work limitations; 28% experienced situational or health barriers. CONCLUSION: Young adults with cerebral palsy and average intelligence are at risk of experiencing unfavourable developments in work participation. Rehabilitation services should offer support to prevent unemployment and occupational disability.
Authors: Julia E Hanes; Oksana Hlyva; Peter Rosenbaum; Matthew Freeman; Tram Nguyen; Robert J Palisano; Jan Willem Gorter Journal: Child Care Health Dev Date: 2019-07-24 Impact factor: 2.508
Authors: Srikrishna S Ramachandra; G V S Murthy; B R Shamanna; Komal P Allagh; Hira B Pant; Neena John Journal: Indian J Occup Environ Med Date: 2017 Jan-Apr