Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on health seeking behavior of children with cerebral palsy and their caregivers

Résumé fourni par la source

Background: COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the already existing challenges face by children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their caregivers. This study was conducted to analyze the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the health seeking behavior of children with CP and their caregivers. Methods: Parents/ caregivers of sixty-one children, who could be contacted were asked a set of questions using a pre-structured questionnaire including demographic details, information related to change in health status and reasons for change in health seeking behavior during and after pandemic. Results: Out of 61 caregivers, 34 (55.7%) reported worsening in child’s health after COVID-19. 59 (96.7%) caregivers reported decrease in the frequency follow up visits after COVID-19 pandemic. The 38 (62.3%) shifted to rehabilitation at home by self. 59 (96.7%) caregivers reported consultation at hospital and two (3.3%) cases at private clinics during acute illness before COVID-19 pandemic. Fear of COVID infection was cited as most common reason for change followed by closure of health facilities during COVID pandemic. Post covid, irritability increased in 23% cases, tone increased in 54.1% cases, contractures increased in 6.6% cases, seizures increased in 27.9% cases. Conclusions: Children with CP and their caregivers need special care during major events such as pandemic to avoid negative impact on their health status.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.