Titles: Caregiver's perspectives on facilitators and barriers of active participation in cerebral palsy rehabilitation in North West Nigeria: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture, attributed to non-progressive disturbance that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain. The condition results in long-term disability in carrying out activities of daily living (ADL). Thus, active participation of caregivers in the rehabilitation of their children with CP is required. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the facilitators and barriers of active participation of caregivers in the rehabilitation of children with CP in Kano, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study design used was qualitative in-depth interview. The participants consisted of caregivers of children with CP attending Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Specialists Hospital, Kano. The caregivers were sampled and interviewed by one of the researchers until theoretical saturation was attained. Responses of the participants were audio-recorded with a tape recorder, supplemented with note taking. The data generated from the interview was then transcribed, coded and analyzed using matrix analysis, using constant comparative analysis. Results: Forty caregivers with mean age, 27.17±4.46 years participated in the study. The results of the study showed factors that facilitate active participation of caregivers of children with CP in the rehabilitation of their children are improvement in the child’s condition, family support, improvement in the conditions of other children with CP, encouragement from the therapist managing the child, empathy, and cooperation of the child during home programs. The barriers identified are number of children the caregiver has, caregiver’s occupation and financial resources. Conclusion: Therapists need to help reinforce these facilitators, and devise strategies to help caregivers overcome barriers during rehabilitation of children with CP. Economically sustainable and accessible rehabilitation services are needed for all children with CP. Similarly, sharing caregiving rehabilitation tasks amongst family members could facilitate caregiver active participation.