2014
Development of work participation in young adults with cerebral palsy: A longitudinal study
Publication
Publication
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine , Volume 46 - Issue 7 p. 648- 655
Objective: To document the development of work participation in young adults with cerebral palsy who are transitioning into adulthood, examine associated characteristics, and investigate work limitations and barriers among employed persons.Design: Observational longitudinal cohort study.Subjects: Seventy-four young adults with cerebral palsy of average intelligence, aged 16-20 years at baseline.Methods: Work participation in 3 categories (employed, unemployed, studying) was assessed at baseline, 2-year and 4-year follow-ups using structured interviews. At 4-year follow-up, associations of work participation with demographic and clinical characteristics were examined using multinomial logistic regression. Work limitations and barriers among employed persons were evaluated using questionnaires.Results: From age range 16-20 years to age range 20-24 years the proportions of subjects who were employed and unemployed increased from 12% to 49% and 3% to 17%, respectively; the proportion who were students decreased from 85% to 34%. In the age range 20-24 years, the employment rate of young adults with cerebral palsy was lower and the unemployment rate higher, than that of the general population. A lower level of gross motor function and younger age were associated with unemployment. Employed persons experienced few work limitations; 28% experienced situational or health barriers.Conclusion: Young adults with cerebral palsy and average intelligence are at risk of experiencing unfavourable developments in work participation. Rehabilitation services should offer support to prevent unemployment and occupational disability.
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doi.org/10.2340/16501977-1832, hdl.handle.net/1765/88244 | |
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine | |
Organisation | Department of Rehabilitation Medicine |
Verhoef, J., Bramsen, I., Miedema, H., Stam, H., & Roebroeck, M. (2014). Development of work participation in young adults with cerebral palsy: A longitudinal study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 46(7), 648–655. doi:10.2340/16501977-1832 |