A100: Predictors of Involvement in Leisure Activities Among Children and Youth With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Abstract

Background/Purpose:Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis may be less involved in leisure activities compared to their healthy peers in part due to disease related factors such as pain, joint stiffness and tenderness. The main purpose of our study was to describe involvement in leisure activities, as well as to identify potential socio‐demographic, disease‐related, personal and environmental determinants.Methods:Ninety three children and youth aged 8 to 18 years diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and their families participated in this cross‐sectional study. Children and youth were administered the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE), which measures involvement in leisure activities (recreation, physical, social, skill‐based, self‐improvement). The disease characteristics were abstracted from the child's medical file (JIA sub‐type, active joint count, age of diagnosis), pain perception, functional status, motivation, self‐perception and perceived social support were obtained through self‐report. Parents completed questionnaires on socio‐demographic data, as well as on family function and environmental barriers. Multiple linear regression was used for data analysis.Results:The leisure activities completed by most participants (>90%) were playing computer/video games, watching television, hanging out with friends and doing homework. Least popular activities were (h10%) martial arts, gymnastics and horseback riding. The level of enjoyment was highest for social activities (mean: 4.2+0.5). Involvement in active physical activities was negatively associated with the presence of active disease (β = −0.385, p = 0.028). However a higher level of perceived athletic competence was associated with greater intensity in active physical activities (β = 0.261, p = 0.037). Higher environmental barrier scores were negatively associated with involvement in social (β = −0.222, p = 0.023) leisure activities.Conclusion:Disease activity may dissuade children and youth from participating in more active pursuits, which places them at greater risk for adopting sedentary lifestyles. There is evidence that contextual factors (personal and environmental) influence leisure participation. The identification of determinants of leisure activities in children and youth with arthritis may allow healthcare professionals to assess children's health needs with more precision and promote a healthier lifestyle.