Investigating the Parented-reported Quality of Life in Young Children With Cerebral Palsy at Ages of ۵ to ۷ years

Objectives: This study examines the impacts of health-related quality of life (QoL) on children who suffer from cerebral palsy, in addition to sociodemographic characteristics and other aspects. Methods: Children who suffer from cerebral palsy (CP) who were referred to a Rehabilitation and Rheumatology Clinic in Bagdad, Iraq, were the subjects of a cross-sectional research. The primary data were gathered from parents and kids via a questionnaire. The CP module for The pediatric QoL inventory ۳.۰ in Arabic was used. The period of August ۲۰۲۲ to February ۲۰۲۳ was used for gathering the data. Researchers evaluated participants using the body mass index (BMI) and the gross motor function classification system. Data analysis was done using SPSS software, version ۲۶ and involved calculating Mean±SD, reporting descriptive statistics, and testing random distribution assumptions. Reliability was assessed via the Cronbach α coefficient and interference analysis, with a considerable level set at P≤۰.۰۵. Results: This research enrolled ۱۳۹ children of which ۵۵.۷% were male and the mean age was ۵.۷ years. The greatest age group was ۵ years (۵۱.۱%), ۵۹.۷% of children were categorized in levels (III, IV and V) and the majority had a low QoL. The domain of daily activity received the highest score out of the six existing domains (۵۷.۰۵%). Discussion: CP affects the QoL of children aged ۵ to ۷ years. The intensity of the gross motor function classification system, physiological and topographical classification, and health-related QoL were associated significantly.

Keywords:

Parented , Cerebral palsy , Children , Health-related quality of life (QoL) , Gross motor function classification system (GMFCS)