Environmental Determinants of Participation in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Few studies have examined the participation of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and further investigation is needed to understand the factors influencing it. This study aimed to compare the participation of children with DMD to typically developing (TD) male peers, explore the relationship between participation and environmental factors, and assess the role of the environment in participation levels.

In this cross-sectional study, 30 children with DMD and 30 TD male children aged 5-13 years were included. Participation levels were measured using the Assessment of Life Habits, and environmental conditions were assessed with the European Child Environment Questionnaire.

Children with DMD exhibited significantly lower total participation scores compared to TD children (6.45 ± 1.88 vs. 8.67 ± 1.22; P < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between the total participation level and environmental factors (r = -0.526, P = 0.003). Regression analysis showed that environmental factors explained 34.1% of the variance in participation, with the physical environment identified as the sole significant predictor (beta = -0.517, P = 0.041).

These findings highlight the need for occupational therapists to systematically evaluate participation and environmental factors to plan effective interventions.