Colquitt Gavin, Keko Mario, Rochani Haresh D, Modlesky Christopher M, Vova Joshua, Maitre Nathalie Linda
Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness, Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28607, USA.
Karl E. Peace Center for Biostatistics, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA.
J Clin Med. 2024 Jun 27;13(13):3759. doi: 10.3390/jcm13133759.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability among children, affecting their lifespan. While CP is typically nonprogressive, symptoms can worsen over time. With advancements in healthcare, more children with CP are reaching adulthood, creating a greater demand for adult care. However, a significant lack of adult healthcare providers exists, as CP is predominantly considered a pediatric condition. This study compares the transition experiences of children with CP compared to those with other developmental disabilities (DDs) and typically developing children (TDC). This study utilizes cross-sectional data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) from 2016-2020, including 71,973 respondents aged 12-17. Children were categorized into three groups: CP ( = 263), DD ( = 9460), and TDC ( = 36,053). The analysis focused on the receipt of transition services and identified demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing these services. Only 9.7% of children with CP received necessary transition services, compared to 19.7% of children with DDs and 19.0% of TDC. Older age, female sex, non-Hispanic white ethnicity, and higher household income were significant predictors of receiving transition services. Children with CP were less likely to have private time with healthcare providers and receive skills development assistance compared to other groups. The findings highlight disparities and critical needs for targeted interventions and structured transition programs to improve the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare for children with CP. Addressing disparities in service receipt and ensuring coordinated, continuous care are essential for improving outcomes for children with CP.
脑瘫（CP）是儿童中最常见的身体残疾，会影响他们的寿命。虽然脑瘫通常不会进展，但症状可能会随着时间的推移而恶化。随着医疗保健的进步，越来越多的脑瘫儿童长大成人，对成人护理的需求也越来越大。然而，成人医疗保健提供者严重短缺，因为脑瘫主要被视为一种儿科疾病。本研究比较了脑瘫儿童与其他发育障碍（DDs）儿童以及正常发育儿童（TDC）的过渡经历。本研究利用了2016 - 2020年全国儿童健康调查（NSCH）的横断面数据，包括71973名年龄在12 - 17岁的受访者。儿童被分为三组：脑瘫组（ = 263）、发育障碍组（ = 9460）和正常发育儿童组（ = 36053）。分析重点关注过渡服务的接受情况，并确定影响这些服务的人口统计学和社会经济因素。只有9.7%的脑瘫儿童接受了必要的过渡服务，相比之下，发育障碍儿童组为19.7%，正常发育儿童组为19.0%。年龄较大、女性、非西班牙裔白人种族以及较高的家庭收入是接受过渡服务的重要预测因素。与其他组相比，脑瘫儿童与医疗保健提供者进行私人交流的可能性较小，接受技能发展援助的可能性也较小。研究结果凸显了差距以及针对性干预和结构化过渡计划的迫切需求，以改善脑瘫儿童从儿科医疗向成人医疗的过渡。解决服务接受方面的差距并确保协调、持续的护理对于改善脑瘫儿童的预后至关重要。
