Participation of young people with disabilities and/or chronic conditions in low‐ and middle‐income countries : a scoping review

Abstract

AIM : The purpose of this scoping review was to describe and map the literature available on the participation of young people (0–21y) with disabilities and/or chronic conditions living in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). METHOD : A systematic search and selection process identified 78 publications. Descriptive data were extracted using a data‐charting form, and studies were mapped using the family of participation‐related constructs framework. RESULTS : The findings demonstrated that, although the published evidence is steadily increasing, the participation research on this vulnerable population is still either absent or very scarce in the majority of LMICs, and very little is known about the participation of children with chronic health conditions. Most studies included in this review focused on attendance or ‘being there’. INTERPRETATION : Although attendance is an important aspect, more needs to be done to understand children’s experiences or involvement while attending, thus capturing both dimensions of participation. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDES : There is an increasing trend in research on participation patterns of children with disabilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Most research focuses on children’s attendance, or ‘being there’. We know very little about children’s involvement, or experience, while attending daily activities.