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Social Functioning in Children With Spina Bifida: An Integrative Review

Ranya Bafail1,2,3

  • 1College of Nursing, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Sage Open Pediatrics
|May 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children with spina bifida (SB) experience reduced social functioning, impacting peer and family interactions. Further research is needed to understand how parental expectations influence social outcomes for children with SB.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Social Sciences

Background:

  • Spina bifida (SB) is a congenital disorder frequently resulting in disability and diminished social participation.
  • Children with SB encounter significant challenges in social engagement within home, school, and community settings.
  • This review systematically examined the nature and extent of social functioning among children diagnosed with SB.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the types and degrees of social functioning in children with spina bifida (SB).
  • To identify key factors contributing to social participation challenges in children with SB.
  • To delineate the domains of social functioning relevant to this population.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five major databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO.
  • Studies of diverse designs, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, were included.
  • The review focused on research published between 2000 and 2025, involving children with spina bifida (SB) aged 18 years or younger.

Main Results:

  • Findings indicated restricted social participation with peers and family, attributed to factors such as continence issues, motor impairments, social stigma, and cognitive difficulties.
  • Four primary domains of social functioning were identified: school and community participation, peer relationships and friendships, family interactions and parental role, and independence and autonomy.
  • Specific challenges within each domain highlight areas for targeted intervention and support.

Conclusions:

  • Children with spina bifida (SB) exhibit significantly reduced social functioning across multiple life domains.
  • Further research is essential to elucidate the specific impact of parental expectations on the social outcomes for children with SB.
  • Interventions aimed at enhancing social participation and addressing associated challenges are warranted for this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
childrenfamily functioningparent relationshipspeer relationshipssocial adjustmentsocial functioningsocial participationspina bifida

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