Awareness, Knowledge and Perception of Port Harcourt Women on Children Living with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Neurological disorder called cerebral palsy, which results from a disruption in the development of the brain in the womb or shortly after birth leads to a life-long disability affecting the victim’s ability to sustain balance. It has no cure and can only be managed; children with the condition often need lifelong care. This study is an examination of the awareness, knowledge and perception of Port Harcourt women on children living with cerebral palsy. The objectives were: to ascertain the level of awareness of Port Harcourt women on children living with cerebral palsy; examine the level of knowledge Port Harcourt women have on children living with cerebral palsy among others. The health belief, perception and cognitive balance theories underpinned this study. The study adopted descriptive survey design and the population of the study comprised women who reside in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LGAs of Rivers State between the ages of 18 – 65. The population figure for the study was 698,000 while the sample size was 400 using Taro Yamane determinant formula. The study employed purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The questionnaire was used for data collection and contingency tables were used for data presentation. Findings from the study revealed that the level of awareness of children living with cerebral palsy was high, and the level of knowledge on children living with cerebral palsy among Port Harcourt women was low. The study concluded that the issue of children living with cerebral palsy, many women are informed but do not have adequate knowledge of its consequences and symptoms, thus, many children living with cerebral palsy suffer stigmatisation and rejection in public. Nevertheless, with viable guiding medical and public enlightenment, the issue can be managed. The study recommended that though, the level of awareness of children living with cerebral palsy is high; there should be massive awareness/enlightenment