Background/Purpose: Children with arthritis may be at greater risk for adopting a more sedentary lifestyle compared to their healthy peers in part due to disease related factors such as pain, joint stiffness and tenderness. The patterns of leisure participation and the identification of potential determinants of inactivity may guide the development of therapeutic strategies.
Objectives: To describe leisure activities in terms of diversity, intensity and enjoyment, as well as to identify potential socio-demographic and disease-related 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 and functional status were obtained through self-report. Parents completed questionnaires on socio-demographic data.
Results: The most popular activities (>90%) were playing computer/video games, watching television, hanging out with friends and doing homework. Least popular activities were (<10%) martial arts, gymnastics and horseback riding. The level of enjoyment was highest for social activities (mean: 4.2 ±0.5). Involvement in informal leisure activities showed a significant negative association with functional limitations (β=-0.266; 95% CI= -0.589, -0.059; p=0.017).
Conclusion: Greater functional limitations may dissuade children and youth from participating in more active pursuits, which places them at greater risk for adopting sedentary lifestyles. 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.
Disclosure:
S. Cavallo,
None;
A. Majnemer,
None;
C. M. Duffy,
None;
D. E. Feldman,
None.
ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/involvement-in-leisure-activities-among-children-and-youth-with-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis/