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. 2024 Oct 5;102(10):622-627.
doi: 10.62438/tunismed.v102i10.4959.

GAIA therapeutic farm: Prospective study on multidisciplinary care efficacy

Soumaya Halayem  1   2 , Faten Chennoufi  3 , Uta Ouali  2   4 , Yosr Lajmi  3 , Raja Moumni  4 , Asma Bouden  1   2 , Leila Guesmi  3
Affiliations

GAIA therapeutic farm: Prospective study on multidisciplinary care efficacy

Soumaya Halayem et al. Tunis Med. .

Abstract

Introduction: The therapeutic farm "GAIA" in Sidi Thabet is a non-profit organization created in 2009, situated in the North-Western suburbs of the capital Tunis/Tunisia. Its main aims are the day-care for and the socio-professional integration of children and young adults between age 6 and 30 with diverse types of disability through multiple activities, such as pet assisted therapy and horticulture.

Aim: to assess the potential benefits of therapeutic on-farm management.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study including 50 children and young adults aged 7 to 30 years with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders. Study participants were evaluated before inclusion and after 10 months of care using a self-established questionnaire collecting socio-demographic and clinical variables, an evaluation of competences, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).

Results: Mean sub scores (externalization/internalization) of CBCL decreased significantly (p<0.002). Competences were significantly improved in the following domains: understanding of verbal language, gross and fine motor skills, body hygiene, spatial and temporal orientation, preschool and school learning achievements and social integration.

Conclusions: These positive initial results should encourage the further development of this initiative with support of the community.

Keywords: Animal-assisted-therapy; Care farming; autism spectrum disorders; intellectual disability.

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Figures

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Table 1. Summary of sociodemographic and family characteristics
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Table 2. Diagnosis of study participants according to DSM-5
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Table 3. Evolution of CBCL scores
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Table 4. Progression of competences
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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