Participation of children with disabilities in Taiwan: The gap between independence and frequency

Ai Wen Hwang, Chia Feng Yen, Tsan Hon Liou, Rune J. Simeonsson, Wen Chou Chi, Donald J. Lollar, Hua Fang Liao, Lin Ju Kang, Ting Fang Wu, Sue Wen Teng, Wen Ta Chiu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Independence and frequency are two distinct dimensions of participation in daily life. The gap between independence and frequency may reflect the role of the environment on participation, but this distinction has not been fully explored. Methods: A total of 18,119 parents or primary caregivers of children with disabilities aged 6.0-17.9 years were interviewed in a cross-sectional nationwide survey with the Functioning Scale of the Disability Evaluation System - Child version (FUNDES-Child). A section consisting of 20 items measured the children's daily participation in 4 environmental settings: home, neighborhood/community, school, and home/community. Higher independence and frequency restriction scores indicated greater limitation of participation in daily activities. Scores for independence, frequency and independence-frequency gaps were examined across ages along with trend analysis. ANOVA was used to compare the gaps across settings and diagnoses for children with mild levels of severity of impairment. Findings: A negative independence-frequency gap (restriction of frequency was greater than that of independence) was found for children with mild to severe levels of impairment. A positive gap (restriction of independence was greater than that of frequency) was found for children with profound levels of severity. The gaps became wider with age in most settings of children with mild impairment and different diagnoses. Widest negative gaps were found for the neighborhood/community settings than for the other three settings for children with mild to severe impairment. Conclusions: Children's participation and independence-frequency gaps depend not only on the severity of their impairments or diagnoses, but also on their age, the setting and the support provided by their environment. In Taiwan, more frequency restrictions than ability restrictions were found for children with mild to moderate severity, especially in the neighborhood/community setting, and increased with age. Further identification of environmental opportunities that positively impact frequency of participation is needed.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0126693
JournalPloS one
Volume10
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015 May 11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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