The influenced factors on quality of life of mothers of children with severe cerebral palsy: A survey study

Cerebral palsy is the most common chronic physical disability in childhood which may have negative effects on quality of lifeof parents. The aim of this research was to study the quality of life in mothers of children with severe cerebral palsy.

In this cross-sectional study، 70 children (aged 4 to 12) and their mothers referring to rehabilitation centers in Tehran in 2012 were selected by convenience sampling method. SF-36 was used to assess mother`s quality of life. Mother’s stress and their children gross motor function were assessed using the Resource and Stress Questionnaire and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) respectively. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression tests were used for analyzing the data.

The mothers’ mean age was 34. 41 years (SD=5. 72). The total mean score on health survey was 53. 74. There was a statistically significant relationship between all dimensions of quality of life measures except mental health، social functioning and role limitations from emotional health problems with GMFCS level (p<0. 05). Also، it was found that there is a significant relationship between mothers’ mental health، physical health and their total score of quality of life with their level of stress (p=0. 000).

Considering the above results، parents of children with cerebral palsy describe their quality of life as moderate. Also، cerebral palsy severity and stress can negatively impact on a mothers’ life.