The missing link to sustainable participation in community-based physical activity after rehabilitation: a qualitative study about experiences of immigrant parents and their children with disabilities

Abstract

Background: Children with immigrant backgrounds and disabilities have lower rates of social participation compared with their nonimmigrant counterparts. However, rehabilitation programs offer an opportunity to promote a physically active lifestyle and increase home and community participation of children with physical disabilities. The purpose of this study was to explore immigrant families’ experiences of participation and associated challenges and/or facilitators in the local community after taking part in a participation-focused rehabilitation program in Norway. By generating knowledge about immigrant families’ experiences, this study suggests how to promote sustainable participation after rehabilitation among immigrant children with disabilities.Methods: The study used a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of immigrant parents and their children with disabilities. The interviews were analyzed using an inductive thematic analytic approach.Results: Immigrant families’ experiences of participation in the local community after rehabilitation varied. Whereas some experienced improvements in their activity and participation habits, others expressed that they reverted to their old habits. Families’ experiences showed how facing several challenges in the local community affected participation patterns among the children. The costs and lack of information, necessary skills, and local activities were among the barriers they experienced. Families’ experiences revealed that local and rehabilitation professionals were not always aware of or prepared to address the challenges faced by families trying to become physically active. Parents expressed their needs for support and continuation of services after rehabilitation for moving towards an active lifestyle. Participation patterns among children highlighted the potential role of support contacts as facilitators for participation in physical activities among the families.Conclusions: The findings reveal that continuity of services from rehabilitation centers to local communities remains a challenge despite the health authorities’ ideal of providing sustainable and continuous services after rehabilitation. Establishing an efficient collaboration between local and rehabilitation professionals with identifying potential future challenges, adjusting the interventions, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and providing supportive follow-up services may be the missing link to sustainable community-based participation.