Title : Life satisfaction, perceived social support of mothers of children with cerebral palsy and motor function of their children
Abstract:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of long-term disability in children worldwide where severe cases may require complete dependence for mobility, self-care, and social participation. This study was carried out to evaluate the association among life satisfaction, perceived social support of mothers of children with CP and motor function of their children.
Method: This cross-sectional study involved 58 mothers of children with CP and their children. Level of life satisfaction, perceived social support and the socioeconomic status of the mothers were assessed using the Satisfaction with life scale, Multidimensional scale of perceived social support and the modified Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Scale respectively. Motor function of the children with CP was assessed using Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).
Result: About 38% of the mothers of children with cerebral palsy were fully satisfied with their lives. There was no significant association among level of life satisfaction, perceived social support of mothers of children with CP and the motor function of their children.
Conclusion: Six out of ten mothers of children with cerebral palsy are somewhat dissatisfied with life. It was recommended that measures to relieve factors leading to dissatisfaction with life should be put in place by national health policy makers.
Keywords: Life satisfaction, Perceived social support, Cerebral palsy, Motor function
