Participation, environment, and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy and physical disabilities

Aim To compare and examine relationships between participation, environmental factors, and quality of life (QoL) in children with cerebral palsy and physical disability (CP/PD) and typically developing children. Method Participants were 59 children (6–12 years; 31 females): 30 with CP/PD (mean age 8 years 7 months, standard deviation 1 year 6 months) and 29 with typical development (mean age 8 years 2 months, standard deviation 1 year 6 months). Parents completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth to assess participation, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory to assess QoL, and a socio‐demographic questionnaire. Gross motor function and additional functional classifications were recorded for the CP/PD group. Results Involvement in activities, frequency of participation, and QoL were significantly lower in the CP/PD group than in the typically developing group. The gross motor function levels of the CP/PD group positively correlated with their participation in home activities levels. Community‐setting support significantly predicted QoL and mediated ( β = 0.66, p < 0.001) between disability level and QoL. Interpretation Community‐setting support is crucial for enhancing QoL for children with CP/PD. Rehabilitation should emphasize community engagement to improve the children's participation and well‐being.