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Self-reported physical disabilities in children in the Netherlands
J Spee-van der Wekke1, A L den Ouden, J F Meulmeester
1TNO Prevention and Health, Child Health division, Leiden, the Netherlands.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|July 6, 2000
Summary
Physical disabilities affect 21% of school children, with severe cases in 5%. Most children with severe physical disabilities are not limited in daily activities, indicating they don't typically cause a handicap.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Physical disabilities represent a significant health concern in childhood.
- Understanding the prevalence and impact of these disabilities is crucial for effective intervention and support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-reported physical disabilities among school-aged children.
- To analyze the characteristics and impact of these disabilities within the Dutch population.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from mainstream (n=5484) and special education (n=2622) settings between 1992-1995.
- Weighted analysis to ensure population representativeness of the Dutch school-aged population.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of physical disabilities was 21%, with severe disabilities affecting 5% of children.
- Severe disabilities were more common in younger children; accidents were a key cause in older children.
- Boys, children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and those with speech impairments showed higher disability rates. Notably, 14% of severely disabled children reported daily life restrictions.
Conclusions:
- Physical disabilities are common in school children but rarely result in a significant handicap.
- Early identification and targeted support can mitigate the impact of physical disabilities on children's lives.