Comparison of Participation between Children with Down Syndrome 7 to 13 Years and Healthy Peers at Life Habits

To promote health, self-esteem, and communication skills, participation in daily activities of childhood is essential regardless of ability or disability. Participation deficiency can lead to isolation and withdrawal and has a profound impact on children. The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of participation in children with Down syndrome 7 to 13 years compared with healthy peers at life habits. This was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 36 children with Down syndrome from 7 to 13 years educating in special schools in Islamshahr (18 girls and 18 boys) and normal peers. The LIFE-H questionnaire was used to evaluate the participation of the children. Our findings showed that no statistically significant difference in the mean level of participation in Down syndrome and normal peers according to eating habits (p=0.064). In both groups, highest scores on the questionnaire was related to interpersonal relationships (Down syndrome mean=4.7, normal mean=4.9), and the lowest score belonged to the work (Down syndrome mean=2.72, normal mean=2.97). There was a significant difference according to the mean score of life habits between girls and boys with Down syndrome and normal (p<0.001). The total score of participation in the life habits was lower in children with Down syndrome than the normal kids. However, the participation scores were same in some areas of life habits (e.g. participating in dietary habits), with their normal peers.