Article

PURPOSE: To underline the importance of Environmental Factors for reducing
Disability and to demonstrate the complex condition of life, especially in terms
of social inclusion and participation for children and adolescents affected by
brain tumour. METHOD: An observational study applying the ICF version for
Children and Youth (ICF-CY), the quality of life KIDSCREEN questionnaires and the
Vineland assessment was performed. Age-specific ICF-CY Questionnaires were used
to interview children at three time-points. RESULTS: Twenty-nine children were
enrolled. Social life and relationships were crucial for defining children's
disability level: formal and informal relationships showed to be very relevant to
improve functioning (presence of facilitators in terms of more that 20% of
cases). The severity of the disease makes the attention deeply focussed on
treatment, neglecting other very important aspects in children's or adolescents'
life such as their participation in life. CONCLUSIONS: The project highlighted
some relevant issues about functioning and disability of these patients, in light
of ICF's Biopsychosocial model of disability. Different rehabilitation projects
are necessary for children and adolescents living after brain tumour. Considering
treatment and the severity of tumour is very important to define pathways that
should also include social and interpersonal aspects.

Langue : ANGLAIS