Asuman Gokcin Eminel1, Turhan Kahraman2, Arzu Genc3. 1. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey. 2. Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey. turhan.kahraman@yahoo.com. 3. School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Caregiving demands contribute to both psychological and physical health of caregivers. Physical workload (PW) can be an important cause of musculoskeletal disorders in caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP). AIMS: To investigate PW during caregiving activities and related factors among caregivers of children with CP. METHODS: Children with CP (n = 291) and their caregivers (n = 291) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Caregivers were categorized as their child has presence of intellectual disability (ID) and independent walking ability. Gross motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) in children. PW; presence and distribution of musculoskeletal pain sites; levels of disability of neck, low back, arm, and leg; levels of depressive symptoms; and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were assessed in caregivers. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in PW, low back pain-related disability, depressive symptoms, and HRQOL between caregivers of children with and without an ID (p < 0.05). All study variables were significantly different between caregivers of children who can and cannot independently walk (p < 0.05). PW was correlated with caregiver's age, body mass index, lower extremity dysfunction, depressive symptoms, and child's GMFCS level (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of a child having an ID and walking disability had higher PW. These caregivers had more problems related to musculoskeletal disorders, higher depressive symptoms, and lower HRQOL. Higher PW was associated with lower level of gross motor function of child and older age, higher body mass index, higher level of lower extremity disfunction and low back pain disability, and lower HRQOL of caregivers.
BACKGROUND: Caregiving demands contribute to both psychological and physical health of caregivers. Physical workload (PW) can be an important cause of musculoskeletal disorders in caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP). AIMS: To investigate PW during caregiving activities and related factors among caregivers of children with CP. METHODS:Children with CP (n = 291) and their caregivers (n = 291) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Caregivers were categorized as their child has presence of intellectual disability (ID) and independent walking ability. Gross motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) in children. PW; presence and distribution of musculoskeletal pain sites; levels of disability of neck, low back, arm, and leg; levels of depressive symptoms; and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were assessed in caregivers. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in PW, low back pain-related disability, depressive symptoms, and HRQOL between caregivers of children with and without an ID (p < 0.05). All study variables were significantly different between caregivers of children who can and cannot independently walk (p < 0.05). PW was correlated with caregiver's age, body mass index, lower extremity dysfunction, depressive symptoms, and child's GMFCS level (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of a child having an ID and walking disability had higher PW. These caregivers had more problems related to musculoskeletal disorders, higher depressive symptoms, and lower HRQOL. Higher PW was associated with lower level of gross motor function of child and older age, higher body mass index, higher level of lower extremity disfunction and low back pain disability, and lower HRQOL of caregivers.
Entities:
Keywords:
Caregivers; Cerebral palsy; Musculoskeletal pain; Quality of life; Workload
Authors: Peter Rosenbaum; Nigel Paneth; Alan Leviton; Murray Goldstein; Martin Bax; Diane Damiano; Bernard Dan; Bo Jacobsson Journal: Dev Med Child Neurol Suppl Date: 2007-02
Authors: Parminder Raina; Maureen O'Donnell; Peter Rosenbaum; Jamie Brehaut; Stephen D Walter; Dianne Russell; Marilyn Swinton; Bin Zhu; Ellen Wood Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2005-06 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Jamie C Brehaut; Dafna E Kohen; Parminder Raina; Stephen D Walter; Dianne J Russell; Marilyn Swinton; Maureen O'Donnell; Peter Rosenbaum Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2004-08 Impact factor: 7.124