Chan, K. L., Lo, C. K.M., Ho, F. K. and Ip, P. (2019) Disability-specific associations with child health and functioning. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(6), 1024. (doi: 10.3390/ijerph16061024) (PMID:30897839) (PMCID:PMC6466354)
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Abstract
This study examined the health profile of children with different types of disabilities and explored the disability-specific associations with various types of health and functioning using a large nonclinical sample of children. A cross-sectional school survey was conducted during 2016 and 2017. A total of 4114 children (aged 6–18 years) receiving primary or secondary education, or their proxy, in Hong Kong participated in the study. Disabilities were categorized as (a) physical disabilities; (b) learning and developmental disabilities; (c) intellectual disabilities; (d) internalizing disorders or mental illness; and (e) autism spectrum disorder. Health-related quality of life (QoL), sleep-related QoL, activities of daily living (ADL), emotional functioning, and social functioning were assessed and compared between children with disabilities and those without. The results showed that children with disabilities showed poorer physical functioning, health-related QoL, and emotional and social functioning than their counterparts without disabilities. Disability-specific associations with health were found: (a) physical disabilities and intellectual disabilities were associated with greater difficulties in ADL; (b) language impairment and Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were negatively associated with sleep-related QoL; (c) all types of disabilities but hearing impairment were negatively associated with health-related QoL (HRQoL); and (d) language impairment, ADHD, internalizing disorder, as well as autism spectrum disorder were associated with greater abnormal behavioral difficulties. The findings warrant the development of tailor-made intervention programs and give insights to effective resource allocation for the children in need.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | The work described in this paper was fully supported by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (HKU 740713). |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Ho, Dr Frederick |
| Creator Roles: | |
| Authors: | Chan, K. L., Lo, C. K.M., Ho, F. K., and Ip, P. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health |
| Journal Name: | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
| Publisher: | MDPI |
| ISSN: | 1661-7827 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1660-4601 |
| Published Online: | 20 March 2019 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2019 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16(6): 1024 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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