Life satisfaction, perceived social support of mothers of children with cerebral palsy, and motor function of their children

Abstract

Abstract Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of long-term disability in children worldwide where severe cases may require complete dependence on caregivers for mobility, self-care, and social participation. The demand for caregiving may negatively impact the level of life satisfaction of the caregivers, especially the mothers. This study was thus carried out to evaluate the level of life satisfaction of mothers of children with CP, its association with perceived social support, and the motor function of their children. Method The study involved 58 mothers of children with CP and their children. The level of life satisfaction, perceived social support, and socioeconomic status of the mothers were assessed using the satisfaction with life scale, the multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and the modified Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Scale, respectively. The motor function of the children with CP was assessed using the 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 the 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 policymakers.