Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy and Intellectual Disability: Predictors and Personal Outcomes

Abstract

Although in recent years the interest in studying the quality of life (QoL) of children with cerebral palsy (CP) has been growing, there are hardly any studies that have specifically evaluated QoL in people with both CP and intellectual disability (ID). Therefore, this study aims to (1) describe the individual QoL of children and adolescents with CP and ID, and (2) examine the influence of several individual and environmental variables on ​​the QoL scores. The sample encompassed a total of 165 participants with CP and ID aged 4 to 21 years old who were receiving support from 42 Spanish organizations. The KidsLife Scale was used. Descriptive statistics were obtained and correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed. The highest values were obtained in physical well-being and rights, while the domains with the lowest scores were self-determination and social inclusion. Level of ID, percentage of disability, physical disability in the upper extremities and size of the organization were significant QoL predictors. This study provides useful information about strengths and needs of children and adolescents with CP and ID in the different domains of QoL and with insights into factors that may help to enhance their QoL.