Participation in out-of-home activities and health-related quality of life among Australian children with disabilities: Evidence from the longitudinal study of Australian children

Share Participation in out-of-home activities and health-related quality of life among Australian children with disabilities: Evidence from the longitudinal study of Australian children on Facebook Share Participation in out-of-home activities and health-related quality of life among Australian children with disabilities: Evidence from the longitudinal study of Australian children on X (formerly Twitter) Share Participation in out-of-home activities and health-related quality of life among Australian children with disabilities: Evidence from the longitudinal study of Australian children on Linkedin Email Participation in out-of-home activities and health-related quality of life among Australian children with disabilities: Evidence from the longitudinal study of Australian children link

First published online 02 September 2026.

Why this study was done

Children with disability benefit from opportunities to participate in activities outside the home, such as community events, sport, recreation, libraries, playgrounds, and social activities. These experiences may support children's physical, emotional, and social development. However, there has been limited Australian evidence on whether participation in these activities is linked to better health-related quality of life for children with disability.

What the study did

Researchers analysed data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) collected between 2004 and 2018. The study included 2,480 Australian children with disabilities and examined:

  • Participation in out-of-home activities (OoHA).
  • Children's health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
  • Whether taking part in more community activities was associated with better outcomes.

The analysis considered a range of child and family characteristics that may influence participation and wellbeing.

What the study found

  • Children who participated in out-of-home activities reported higher health-related quality of life.
  • Participation was linked to better physical wellbeing. Children who took part in community activities had better physical domain of health-related quality of life than those who did not participate.
  • Participation was linked to better social wellbeing. Children involved in activities outside the home reported stronger social outcomes.
  • Participation was linked to better school-related wellbeing. Children who participated in out-of-home activities tended to report better outcomes related to school functioning.
  • More participation was associated with better outcomes. Health-related quality of life scores generally increased as children participated in a greater number of activities.

What this means

Participation in community, recreational, cultural, and social activities can play an important role in improving the wellbeing of children with disability. The findings suggest that increasing opportunities for children with disability to take part in inclusive out-of-home activities may contribute to better physical health, social connections, and overall health-related quality of life.

The study highlights the importance of investing in accessible and inclusive community programs and ensuring that children with disability can participate regardless of where they live or their family's financial circumstances.

This study was conducted by: Mr Benojir Ahammed, Professor Khorshed Alam, Dr Zahirul Hoque, and Dr Syed Afroz Keramat.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.

First published online 02 September 2026.

Why this study was done

Children with disability benefit from opportunities to participate in activities outside the home, such as community events, sport, recreation, libraries, playgrounds, and social activities. These experiences may support children's physical, emotional, and social development. However, there has been limited Australian evidence on whether participation in these activities is linked to better health-related quality of life for children with disability.

What the study did

Researchers analysed data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) collected between 2004 and 2018. The study included 2,480 Australian children with disabilities and examined:

  • Participation in out-of-home activities (OoHA).
  • Children's health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
  • Whether taking part in more community activities was associated with better outcomes.

The analysis considered a range of child and family characteristics that may influence participation and wellbeing.

What the study found

  • Children who participated in out-of-home activities reported higher health-related quality of life.
  • Participation was linked to better physical wellbeing. Children who took part in community activities had better physical domain of health-related quality of life than those who did not participate.
  • Participation was linked to better social wellbeing. Children involved in activities outside the home reported stronger social outcomes.
  • Participation was linked to better school-related wellbeing. Children who participated in out-of-home activities tended to report better outcomes related to school functioning.
  • More participation was associated with better outcomes. Health-related quality of life scores generally increased as children participated in a greater number of activities.

What this means

Participation in community, recreational, cultural, and social activities can play an important role in improving the wellbeing of children with disability. The findings suggest that increasing opportunities for children with disability to take part in inclusive out-of-home activities may contribute to better physical health, social connections, and overall health-related quality of life.

The study highlights the importance of investing in accessible and inclusive community programs and ensuring that children with disability can participate regardless of where they live or their family's financial circumstances.

This study was conducted by: Mr Benojir Ahammed, Professor Khorshed Alam, Dr Zahirul Hoque, and Dr Syed Afroz Keramat.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.