Functional profile, quality of life, and social integration of young adults with cerebral palsy in Benin: a cross-sectional comparative study

Background While considerable research has focused on children with cerebral palsy (CP), evidence regarding the experiences and outcomes of adults with CP remains scarce, particularly in low-income countries. This study aimed to assess the functional profile, quality of life, social support, depression, and social integration of adults with CP in Benin, Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods This cross-sectional comparative study recruited 48 young adults with CP (aged 18–28 years), including a subgroup of 22 participants with effective communication who were matched to 46 healthy controls. Functional classification systems and functional independence were assessed in the entire sample. Additionally, participants with effective communication and healthy controls completed questionnaires assessing quality of life, social support, depression, and social reintegration. Results Spastic (42%) and hemiplegic (54%) forms predominated, with 56% of participants walking independently. Among participants with effective communication, a higher proportion of individuals in the CP group reported poor physical quality of life compared with the control group (72.73% vs. 30.43%, p = 0.002), while depressive symptoms were more frequent in controls (76.09% vs. 27.27%, p < 0.001). Social support was insufficient in both groups (CP: 86.36% vs. Control: 97.83%, p = 0.10), and social reintegration scores were comparable ( p = 0.94). Conclusions Young adults with CP in Benin generally presented with less severe forms of the condition. Among participants with effective communication, physical quality of life was poorer than that of healthy peers, whereas mental quality of life, social support, and social reintegration were similar. Enhanced support services may help improve quality of life and social inclusion in this population.