Participation restrictions among adolescents and adults with neonatal brachial plexus palsy: the patient perspective

AbstractPurpose: To examine the impact of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) on societal participation of adolescents and adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with NBPP, aged ≥16 years, who had visited our NBPP clinic. Patients completed questions on the influence of NBPP on their choices regarding education/work and their work-performance, the Impact on Participation/Autonomy questionnaire and the Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P). In addition, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed.Results: Seventy-five patients participated (median age 20, inter quartile range 17–27). Twenty were full-time students, 28 students with a job, 21 employed, two unemployed, and four work-disabled. Sixty-six patients had had a job at some stage. Patients’ overall HRQoL was comparable to the general population. 27/75 patients reported that NBPP had affected their choices regarding education and 26/75 those regarding work. 33/66 reported impa...