Influence of burn injury on activity participation of children

Children with physical disabilities show limitations in the frequency of participation in activities and in the range of activities, such as play and recreation, chores, and social involvement, compared to their able-bodied peers. The Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) is a standardized assessment which evaluates a child's participation in, enjoyment of, and preferences for formal and informal activities other than school activities. In this study, the CAPE was used to evaluate activity participation of children with burns to provide an understanding of the impact of the injury on their participation in activity. The results provided preliminary information that burn injury can affect the activity participation of children. The children in this study were found to participate more in informal domain activities than formal domain, yet enjoyment scores were higher for formal domain activities. It was found that children with burn injury do not participate in social activities as much as children with other physical limitations, but they scored highest in these for enjoyment. In addition, they participate more in activities at home than outside the home. Increased awareness of activity participation of children with burns can guide healthcare professionals toward appropriate interventions and help parents increase participation in desired activities to improve the children's positive adjustment and quality of life. Intervention needs to address all aspects of activity participation, particularly for domain, types of activities, and where they are done. These considerations add another dimension to the care required for children with burn injury.