Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Date Submitted: Dec 17, 2025
Date Accepted: Jul 6, 2026
Caring for a Child with Cerebral Palsy in Kuwait: Cross-sectional study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) encounter unique challenges that are not common in typical families. The distress of these families starts with the diagnosis period which is hallmarked with “wait and see” and continue through the lack of clear prognosis provided.
Objective:
To identify the level of perceived burden of care faced by families of children with Cerebral palsy (CP) in Kuwait and its effect on their satisfaction with daily activities.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study of caregivers of children with CP aged 5-16 years were recruited. Ease of Caregiving for Children (ECC), participation in self-care of the Child Engagement in Daily Life Measure (CEDLM), and Satisfaction with Daily Occupation (SDO) questionnaire were used.
Results:
Fifty-three caregivers participated (mean age = 39.77±7.56 years/ children’s mean age= 8.04 ±2.57 years; Gross Motor Function Classification System level: I, n=18, II, n=10, III, n=13, IV, n=5, and V, n=7). ECC was significantly correlated with SDO (p=0.03) and participation in self-care of the CEDLM (p=0.001).
Conclusions:
Challenges of caring for a child with CP is positively correlated with caregivers’ daily activities satisfaction and the child’s self-care abilities. Qualitative assessment is needed to explore these challenges.
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