Caregivers' Perspectives on the Health Status of Children With Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND: Identifying the needs of children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers is still a current clinical practice gap. This study aimed to assess parents' perceptions of their children with cerebral palsy using the Arabic version of the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD) scale and identify factors influencing these perceptions. METHODS: Seventy children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers were recruited in this hospital-based cross-sectional study. The Arabic version of the CPCHILD scale was used to assess parents' perceptions of their cerebral palsy children's priorities. Participants' clinical and demographic traits were assessed to identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: Poor CPCHILD scores were predicted by older mothers, children with co-occurring intellectual disability, children with severe disabilities and children who did not receive frequent physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Identifying the risk factors can help optimise medical care and support services for children with cerebral palsy and their families.