Description of environmental determinants of quality of life in children with intellectual disability in Japan using the Delphi technique

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>The present study aimed to define the framework of an environment conducive to the well-being of children with intellectually disability (CID).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A questionnaire composed of 31 items was developed through literature review. Then a 2-round Delphi survey was conducted with 3 different panels health professionals (HPs), parents of CID, and teachers. The participants were asked to rate each item, select and rank the 10 most important items, and suggest additional ones.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 71 participants responded to the first round 24 HPs, 22 parents, and 25 teachers. In the second round the overall response rate was 83%. At the end of the exercise, 12 items reached global consensus, i.e., in all groups. Only 5 items were ranked as most important by all groups attitudes of family members at home; attitudes of HPs and teachers; support from family members at home; support at school (classmates and teachers); and government policies. Nevertheless, the panelists' views diverged on the remaining items. Several additional elements were suggested.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The views of HPs, teachers, and parents are complementary for the improvement of quality of life (QOL) of CID. The present findings will be used as a basis for the development of an instrument to assess the living environment of CID.</p>