handling challenges in the children with cerebral palsy: A qualitative content analysis

The problems of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) are permanent, long-term and understanding their challenges, require awareness of the environmental and cultural context. To explore the handling challenges as experienced by children, mothers and occupational therapists (OT), this study was conducted in Iranian context.

This qualitative research is a part of big Grounded Theory study. Two children, four mothers and four OTs participated in this study. Participants were selected using purposeful sampling followed by theoretical sampling. The data collected via in-depth semi structured individual and group interviews and two observations at home and clinic. A conventional content analysis approach was conducted to analyze data.

In Total, 1275 initial codes were extracted. The results were categorized in four central themes that were identified as; (1) handling at home, (2) handling at clinic, (3) handling at school (4) handling at society. And 11 sub-themes were recognized.

Lack of practical handling training, Focus on to exercise therapy, non care centered handling and child abuse were the major challenges for participants in handling at home, clinic, school and society; respectively. More investigation will be needed about home modification, caring for children with CP and handling training at home, clinic, school and society to cover the gaps.