Participation and health-related quality of life in adults with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy and the role of self-efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess participation and health-related quality of life in adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, and explore associations with self-efficacy.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
A sample of 56 adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (mean age 36.4 (standard deviation 5.8) years; 62% male).


METHODS
Daily activities and social participation (Life Habits 3.0), health-related quality of life (SF-36 Health Survey), demographic and clinical characteristics, and self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES-12)) were assessed. Associations were studied using multivariate logistic regression analyses.


RESULTS
At least 60% of the sample had difficulties with mobility, recreation and housing, and 44% had difficulty with personal care and employment. They perceived low health-related quality of life for physical functions, but not for mental functions. Corrected for demographic and clinical characteristics, general self-efficacy explained 49% of the variance in outcome on social participation, and the subscale Effort (GSES-12) 32% of the variance for the physical health-related quality of life and 16% of the mental health-related quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
A significant number of adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy encountered difficulties in social participation and had a low perceived health-related quality of life for physical functions. Higher general self-efficacy or a greater willingness to expend effort in achieving behaviour was related to better participation and a higher physical and mental health-related quality of life.
van der Slot
Wilma M A
WM
Rijndam Rehabilitation Centre, Westersingel 300, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. w.vanderslot@erasmusmc.nl
Nieuwenhuijsen
Channah
C
van den Berg-Emons
Rita J G
RJ
Wensink-Boonstra
Akkelies E
AE
Stam
Henk J
HJ
Roebroeck
Marij E
ME
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors