Israt Jahan, Sk Md Kamrul Bashar, Francis Laryea, Samuel Kofi Amponsah, Frederick Inkum Danquah, Mohammad Muhit, Hayley Smithers-Sheedy, Sarah McIntyre, Nadia Badawi, Gulam Khandaker
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: The epidemiology of cerebral palsy (CP) is poorly described in Ghana. These data are crucial for evidence-based intervention for children with CP in the country.
Objectives: We aimed to describe the epidemiology of CP among children in Ghana.
Method: We established the first institution-based register of children with CP in Ghana (Ghana CP Register-GCPR). Children with confirmed CP aged < 18 years were registered following a detailed neurodevelopmental assessment. Socio-demographics, risk factors, predominant motor type and topography, gross motor function classification system (GMFCS), associated impairments, education and rehabilitation status were documented.
Results: Between October 2018 and February 2020, 455 children were registered (mean [standard deviation {s.d.}] age at assessment: 5.9 [4.1] years). Preterm birth and low birthweight were reported in 52.0% and 21.1% children respectively. Most children (79.6%) had a pre- or perinatally acquired CP and the mean (s.d.) age of CP diagnosis was 22.2 (21.6) months. Overall, 55.9% of children had spastic tri- or quadriplegia, 60.5% had GMFCS level III-V and 70.3% had ≥ 1 associated impairment. However, 20.5% had never received rehabilitation services and 69.6% of school-aged children in the GCPR were not enrolled in schools.
Conclusion: The study findings indicate a high burden of severe motor and associated impairment among children with CP in Ghana which highlights the need for tailored interventions to improve health and well-being of children with CP in the country.
Contribution: The study highlights the need for interventions to improve functional outcome, health and well-being of children with CP in Ghana.
期刊介绍:
The African Journal of Disability, the official journal of CRS, AfriNEAD and CEDRES, introduce and discuss issues and experiences relating to and supporting the act of better understanding the interfaces between disability, poverty and practices of exclusion and marginalisation. Its articles yield new insight into established human development practices, evaluate new educational techniques and disability research, examine current cultural and social discrimination, and bring serious critical analysis to bear on problems shared across the African continent. Emphasis is on all aspects of disability particularity in the developing African context. This includes, amongst others: -disability studies as an emerging field of public health enquiry -rehabilitation, including vocational and community-based rehabilitation -community development and medical issues related to disability and poverty -disability-related stigma and discrimination -inclusive education -legal, policy, human rights and advocacy issues related to disability -the role of arts and media in relation to disability -disability as part of global Sustainable Development Goals transformation agendas -disability and postcolonial issues -globalisation and cultural change in relation to disability -environmental and climate-related issues linked to disability -disability, diversity and intersections of identity -disability and the promotion of human development.