Journal article
Exploring the Prevalence of Pediatric Chronic Pain and School Absenteeism for Therapists Working in Schools: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, Vol.41(3), pp.227-243
2021
PMID: 33148083
Abstract
Aim:
To explore the prevalence of school absenteeism for children with chronic pain and to identify the characteristics of children with chronic pain who report absenteeism.
Methods:
Systematic review with meta-analyses of quantitative studies. Studies were included if they reported mean days absent from school in children with chronic pain aged 5–18 years, attending a full-time school program. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Participant characteristics of age, gender, pain duration, pain type, and data collection setting were collated.
Results:
Eighteen quantitative studies involving 2963 children with chronic were included. Studies had moderate to high quality of evidence. Meta-analysis demonstrated 13.28 mean days were spent absent from school in a 60-day period (95% CI 10.21, 16.34) (p < 0.001). Participants were predominantly females (71.8%) aged 14.1 years (SD 2.32). The most experienced pain type was combined headache or head pain (46.9%) and average duration since pain onset was 32.5 months (SD 36.34).
Conclusions:
Children with chronic pain aged 5–18 years are absent for approximately 22% of school days, in a 60-day period. Early, targeted intervention for absenteeism and poor school functioning is recommended. Future research could evaluate the role of school-based therapists in screening at risk students and improving attendance and outcomes.
Details
- Title
- Exploring the Prevalence of Pediatric Chronic Pain and School Absenteeism for Therapists Working in Schools: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
- Authors
- Jen Norton (Author) - Queensland Department of EducationNicole Southon (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, Vol.41(3), pp.227-243
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Inc.
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1080/01942638.2020.1836705
- ISSN
- 1541-3144
- PMID
- 33148083
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy; School of Health - Occupational Therapy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99498807902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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InCites Highlights
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation
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Source: InCites