Health-related Quality of Life of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Its Determinants

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is one amongst the most common childhood disabilities with varying clinical outcomes and can have profound effects on the daily life of children and their families. There are many possible factors that affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in childhood CP. Objectives: The main objectives of the study were to assess the HRQOL and its determinants amongst children with CP considering possible variables comprehensively from a biopsychosocial perspective. Methods: The study was conducted amongst 450 children with CP and their mothers selected consecutively from the paediatric units of a tertiary care centre and randomly selected special schools in Thiruvananthapuram District. The PedsQL CP module was used to measure the HRQOL. Results: HRQOL was poor in 44.17% of children with CP and moderate in 47.1% of children. Multiple logistic regression revealed that the independent predictors of HRQOL were sociodemographic, clinical, functional and behavioural attributes of the child, attitude, practice and perceived stress of caregiver and social support and social security measures available for the care of the child. Conclusion: Understanding the key factors that combined to influence the function and quality of life, their relative importance and the degree to which they can be modified were beneficial in planning specific interventions for children with CP.