Background: Spina bifida (SB) is a congenital disorder often leading to disability and limited social participation. Children with SB face challenges engaging at home, school, and in the community. This review examined the types and degrees of social functioning in children with SB. Methods: Researchers searched 5 databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO) for studies of various designs, both qualitative and quantitative, published between 2000 and 2025 that involved children with spina bifida (SB) aged 18 years or younger. Results: Findings revealed restricted participation with peers and family due to continence issues, motor impairments, stigma, and cognitive difficulties. Four domains of social functioning emerged: school and community participation, peer relationships and freindships, family interactions and parental role, and independence and autonomy. Conclusions: Children with SB demonstrate reduced social functioning. More research is needed to clarify the impact of parental expectations on social outcomes.
Ranya Bafail (Sun,) studied this question.
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