Self-perceived quality of life by institutionalised adults with cerebral palsy in Spain.

Objective: To assess the self-perceived quality of life of institutionalized adults with cerebral palsy and to identify factors that influence their well-being, including sociodemographic, clinical, and diagnostic characteristics, as well as the degree of institutionalization.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the San Martin Quality of Life Scale among adults with cerebral palsy. Data were collected in 2021 and 2022 in a sample of adults with cerebral palsy in Navarra, Spain. Multivariate regression was used to explore the relationship between quality of life and various influential factors.

Results: The self-determination dimension positively influenced quality of life scores, whereas the social inclusion dimension had the opposite effect. Descriptive and regression analyses revealed that factors such as residing outside the city and a high degree of dependency had a negative influence on quality of life, while the degree of institutionalization had a positive impact.

Conclusions: It is important to highlight the positive effects of the degree of institutionalization on rehabilitation and well-being, as it seeks to enhance autonomy and social integration when talking about patient-centered models of institutionalization.