BackgroundSocial support has been associated with numerous positive outcomes for families’ health, wellbeing and empowerment. This study examined which socio-demographic characteristics are... Show moreBackgroundSocial support has been associated with numerous positive outcomes for families’ health, wellbeing and empowerment. This study examined which socio-demographic characteristics are associated with perceived social support among parents of children aged 0–7 years.MethodCross-sectional data of 1007 parents of children aged 0–7 years, gathered in the CIKEO cohort study in the Netherlands, were analysed. Social support was assessed with the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Linear regression models were used to examine associations between socio-demographic characteristics and perceived social support.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 34.1 years (SD = 5.1); 92.9% were mothers. The multivariable regression model showed that fathers (β: -0.15, 95% CI: − 0.22, − 0.08), parents with a low educational level (β: -0.12, 95% CI: 0.18, − 0.06), parents with a low income (β: -0.10, 95% CI: − 0.19, − 0.01), unemployed parents (β: -0.14, 95% CI: − 0.20, − 0.07), and parents of older children (β: -0.07; 95% CI: − 0.13, 0.00) perceived lower levels of social support. Interaction analyses showed that parents with a migration background and a low educational level were particularly susceptible to perceiving lower levels of support (β: -0.34, 95% CI: − 0.52, − 0.15).ConclusionFathers, parents with a low educational level, parents with a low income, unemployed parents, parents of older children, and parents with both a migration background and a low educational level are at increased risk of perceiving lower levels of social support.ImplicationsWe recommend to develop, implement and evaluate intervention strategies to strengthen perceived social support among the abovementioned subgroups of parents, in order to improve families’ health, wellbeing and empowerment. Show less
This study aimed to determine the developmental trajectories of social participation, by level of gross motor function and intellectual disability, in a Dutch population of individuals with... Show moreThis study aimed to determine the developmental trajectories of social participation, by level of gross motor function and intellectual disability, in a Dutch population of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 1 to 24 years.|As part of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Research in the Netherlands (PERRIN+), 424 individuals with CP (261 males, 163 females; mean age [SD] 9y 6mo [6y 2mo]; Gross Motor Function Classification [GMFCS] levels I-V [50% level I]; 87% with spastic CP; 26% with intellectual disability) were longitudinally followed for up to 4 years between 2002 and 2007. Social participation was assessed with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales survey. Effects of age, GMFCS level and intellectual disability were analysed using multilevel modelling.|The developmental trajectories for individuals in GMFCS levels I to IV did not significantly differ from each other. For individuals without intellectual disability, the degree of social participation increased with age and stabilized at about 18 years. These individuals reached social participation levels similar to typically developing individuals. The trajectories were significantly less favourable for individuals in GMFCS level V and individuals with intellectual disability.|Intellectual disability is more distinctive for the development of social participation than GMFCS level. The developmental trajectories will support individuals with CP and their families in setting realistic goals and professionals in optimizing the choice of interventions at an early age. Show less
Vos, R.C.; Becher, J.G.; Ketelaar, M.; Smits, D.W.; Voorman, J.M.; Tan, S.S.; ... ; PERRIN Study Grp 2013
To describe the developmental trajectories of mobility performance and daily activities in children and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP). To explore the influence of gross motor function and... Show moreTo describe the developmental trajectories of mobility performance and daily activities in children and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP). To explore the influence of gross motor function and intellectual disability on these trajectories.|Four hundred and twenty-four Dutch participants with CP (aged 1-20 years at study onset) were followed yearly over a period of 2 to 4 years. Developmental trajectories (from ages 1-16 years) were described for mobility performance and performance of daily activities, assessed by using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale for gross motor function (classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification System) and intellectual disability (by IQ or school type). A subanalysis was done for performance of daily activities in a subgroup of participants without intellectual disability (aged 1-24 years).|The developmental trajectories of mobility performance differed according to levels of gross motor function but not levels of intellectual disability. Intellectual disability affected the performance of daily activities, with lower overall trajectory levels for participants with intellectual disabilities. For participants without intellectual disability, high-level developmental trajectories were found, with values similar to those of typically developing children despite differences in gross motor function level.|Mobility performance is determined mainly by levels of gross motor function. For performance of daily activities, intellectual disability was a more important determinant. Participants without intellectual disability showed developmental trajectories approaching values for typically developing participants. These estimated trajectories can guide rehabilitation interventions and future expectations for children and young adults with CP. Show less
