Determinants of self-care participation of young children with cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE: To test a model of child, family and service determinants of self-care participation of children with cerebral palsy (CP), grouped by Gross Motor Function Classification System levels (I-II and III-V). METHODS: Participants were a convenience sample of 429 children (242 males) with CP, aged 18-60 months. Data on impairments and gross motor function were collected by reliable therapists; parents provided information about children's health conditions and adaptive behaviour. Seven months later parents reported on family life and services received. One year after study onset, parents documented children's self-care participation. Data from two groups of children were analysed using structural equation modelling. RESULTS: The model explained a significant proportion of the variance of self-care participation, with higher motor function, fewer health conditions and higher levels of adaptive behaviour being associated with greater self-care participation. CONCLUSION: Supporting children's gross motor function, health and adaptive behaviour may optimize self-care participation.