Assessing Mongolian children with cerebral palsy using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

The functioning and disability of Mongolian children with cerebral palsy were assessed by applying the World Health Organization's Common Brief ICF-CY Core Set for Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy. The cross-sectional study involved a consecutive sample of 98 children with spastic cerebral palsy (mean age 6.9 years) and their caregivers. They came from both urban and rural areas of Mongolia. The majority (65%) of the participants were spastic diplegic. Body functions, activities, participation, and interaction with the environment differed depending on the type of cerebral palsy. Brain structure did not differ, however. Regarding environmental factors, there was no significant difference between the types of products and technology used for communication, immediate family relationships, or social attitudes. The environment was the key component negatively impacting the lived experience of children with cerebral palsy in Mongolia. Overall, the findings help to identify unmet needs and can improve interventions for such children in Mongolia to meet international standards.