How Does Having a Child with Cerebral Palsy Affect Women’s Physical, Psychological, and Social?

Abstract

Purpose: To determine physical, psychological, and social challenges experienced by mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: The study has a qualitative design and purposeful sampling consisting of 19 women. Researchers collected data through a semi-structured questionnaire via in-depth interviews. Results: Children had CP due to such reasons as problems occurring during childbirth, after birth, and maternal misconduct. While the physical effects led by children with CP were fatigue, waist/upper extremity pain, and insomnia, respectively, a single psychological effect was detected: sadness. It was found that women’s participation in social activities changed with children’s age, and social influences increased, as children’s age levels advanced. Physical and psychological effects were also detected to increase or change the dimensions of social effects, as age levels progressed. Conclusion: Mothers having children with CP experience physical, psychological, and social problems, and do not receive the expected support.