Ann Alriksson-Schmidt1, Gunnar Hägglund1, Elisabet Rodby-Bousquet2, Lena Westbom3. 1. Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden. 2. Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, Central Hospital Västerås, Västerås, Sweden. 3. Department of Paediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of providing healthcare through the transition years to individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and to present data on living arrangements, education/occupation status, and use of personal assistance in young Swedish adults with CP. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 102 participants (63 males) participating in a standardized follow-up program called CPUP. Data were analyzed in relation to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). RESULTS: Of the participants, 58 "lived with parents", 29 reported "independent living", and 15 reported "special service housing". Living arrangements differed among GMFCS levels (p< 0.001) and 14 of 20 with severe disabilities lived with their parents. Thirty-four of 70 reported personal assistance; use of assistance correlated (p< 0.001) with GMFCS (r(s) =0.71) and MACS (r(s) = 0.70). Thirty five were "students", 20 "employed", 36 in "daily activities", and 9 were "unemployed". Of those employed, 18 had GMFCS levels I-II. CONCLUSION: Some young adults with CP and severe functional limitations manage independent living - however, many still live with their parents. Although many are students, a large number are unemployed. There is disconnect between the pediatric and adult healthcare systems. CPUP may facilitate in making the transition smoother.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of providing healthcare through the transition years to individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and to present data on living arrangements, education/occupation status, and use of personal assistance in young Swedish adults with CP. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 102 participants (63 males) participating in a standardized follow-up program called CPUP. Data were analyzed in relation to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). RESULTS: Of the participants, 58 "lived with parents", 29 reported "independent living", and 15 reported "special service housing". Living arrangements differed among GMFCS levels (p< 0.001) and 14 of 20 with severe disabilities lived with their parents. Thirty-four of 70 reported personal assistance; use of assistance correlated (p< 0.001) with GMFCS (r(s) =0.71) and MACS (r(s) = 0.70). Thirty five were "students", 20 "employed", 36 in "daily activities", and 9 were "unemployed". Of those employed, 18 had GMFCS levels I-II. CONCLUSION: Some young adults with CP and severe functional limitations manage independent living - however, many still live with their parents. Although many are students, a large number are unemployed. There is disconnect between the pediatric and adult healthcare systems. CPUP may facilitate in making the transition smoother.
Entities:
Keywords:
Transition; cerebral palsy; young adulthood