Psychosocial impact on parents Raising children with cerebral palsy at Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex and lifelong neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination, often leading to significant physical and cognitive impairments in children. CP has significant long-term consequences not only for the child but also for their family, particularly parents who are responsible for the child's care and development.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to explicitly explore the psychosocial effects, challenges faced, coping mechanisms, and the nature of mother-child relationships among parents raising children with cerebral palsy in North West Ethiopia.

Method: The study employed a qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design. The researchers recruited ten biological mothers of children, eight biological fathers of children and selected them using purposive sampling method. Eight fathers of children with cerebral palsy participated in an in-depth interview and ten mothers of children with CP participated in focus group discussion. The data was collected through semi-structured interview and FGD. Then analyzed qualitatively, using thematic analysis approach.

Result: Fathers experienced shock, grief, worry, and isolation, often struggling with depression and fears about their child's future. Despite these challenges, both parents showed resilience, finding strength in faith, spirituality, and community support. Mothers emphasized the emotional and physical demands of caregiving, the deep bonds with their children, and the importance of coping mechanisms like patience and religious practices in managing daily struggles.

Conclusion: Parenting children with cerebral palsy (CP) entails significant psychosocial challenges, including grief, anxiety, and caregiving stress. Despite this, parents demonstrate resilience through community and spiritual support. Our findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions, such as accessible mental health services integrated into maternal and child health care, peer-led support groups, and mobile mental health units to reach underserved areas. Incorporating disability awareness and psychosocial support into physiotherapy, maternal health, and religious programs offers practical, culturally grounded strategies to enhance coping and promote family well-being.