English

Abstract

BACKGROUND The objective of the study was to assess and determine the level of awareness regarding cerebral palsy and its risk factors in young adults and provide a statistical data showing the level of awareness in young adults. Cerebral palsy is one of the most commonly occurring neurological disorders in children with having lifelong abnormalities. Increasing prevalence of cerebral palsy needs attention as this is the leading cause of disability in children. The age group of 18 - 35 years is known as the reproductive age group; it is important to assess the level of awareness to educate them about the preventive measures during pregnancy. Due to this, the percentage of occurrence of cerebral palsy will drop significantly. METHODS The research was completed by survey method. It is an observational study including 192 participants. Sample size was calculated by the formula n = 4pq/l2. Both males and females in the age group of 18 to 35 were included. A structured questionnaire comprising of cerebral palsy and risk factor questions was used. Ethical approval from institutional ethical committee, permission from respective authorities were taken. After the protocol and ethical clearance, the procedure was started. Results were obtained from statistical analysis. RESULTS The obtained results revealed significantly low level of awareness about cerebral palsy in younger adults which was 29.17 % of the sample size 192 (100 %) which made 70.83 % unaware about the condition with an extreme low level of awareness regarding the risk factors causing cerebral palsy. Only 9.38 % were aware about risks causing cerebral palsy. CONCLUSIONS Study results concluded that there is lack of awareness about cerebral palsy and its risk factors in young adults. KEY WORDS Awareness, Cerebral Palsy, Disability, Risk Factors, Young Adults, Pregnancy