Autonomy in participation of young people with cerebral palsy during the transition to adulthood

To describe autonomy levels and explore factors associated with autonomy in participation of Brazilian young people with cerebral palsy (CP).

This cross-sectional study included the following International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-informed variables: body functions-cognition; personal factors-age, sex, education, perceived self-efficacy; environmental factors-family income, parents' education; activity-gross motor, manual, and communication classifications; participation-autonomy (Rotterdam Transition Profile). Analysis of variance and linear multiple regression models were fitted.

A total of 114 young people with CP participated (mean age 25 years 11 months [SD 11 years], 67 females). Transitional or complete autonomy in participation has been demonstrated in most life areas. Romantic relationships and sexuality were the areas with the lowest autonomy levels, while rehabilitation and leisure showed high autonomy levels. Participant's age (β = 0.9187; p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval: 3.3-5.8) and perceived self-efficacy (β = 1.6174; p = 0.044; 95% confidence interval: 0.002-2.1) were associated with autonomy level (R² _adj = 0.522). Autonomy levels tended to increase with higher self-efficacy and age.

Personal factors appear to play a central role in the acquisition of autonomy in participation during transition to adulthood of young people with CP. More attention to personal factors and strategies is needed to support personal development favouring the acquisition of autonomy to participate in different life areas.