Exploring The Level of Social Participation of Children and Adolescent with Down syndrome : a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Social participation plays a critical role in the overall development and quality of life of children and adolescents with Down syndrome. This study investigates level of social participation regarding home, school and community participation using quantitative study method. Participation is the key area of interest to occupational therapists while children with down syndrome needs greater opportunities and support to enjoy the fulfillment of social engagement through community participation, school participation, self-care participation, recreational and leisure activities. Therefore, it is important to explore the influence of socioeconomic, environmental, community and family dynamics on participation level. Aim: This study aimed to measure the level of social participation for children and adolescents with Down syndrome regarding home, school and community participation in Bangladesh. Method: This study followed an Analytical Cross-sectional study with seventy child and adolescents with DS (mean age 13.40, SD ± 4.956). Data was collected through Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation (CASP) scoring guidelines in face-to-face survey method among 70 parents (mean age 45.35, SD ± 9.210) with children with Down syndrome. For descriptive analysis SPSS v26 was used. Result: This study showed children and adolescent with DS (mean age 13.40, SD ± 4.956) has very limited participation with overall CASP score 63.23 and the ranging from 25 to 100. Additionally, they had the lowest score in home and community living activities CASP score 40.43 as the children had difficulty in money management, time management and using transportation. Furthermore, this study indicated the level of participation increases with their age and number of siblings. Conclusion: This study specifically focused all aspects of social participation to better understand the areas of social participation including the factors that hinder the participation of children and adolescent with Down syndrome in Bangladesh. Key words: Social participation, Down syndrome, disability, community participation, school participation.