Perceptions and Experiences of Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy in a Sub Urban District of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Research indicates that primary caregivers of children with disability encounter varying amounts of stress performing daily routines. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong functional disability common among children in developing countries. Nonetheless, there is very little literature about cerebral palsy in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to unearth the perceptions and experiences of cerebral palsy among caregivers of children with Cerebral Palsy in a low resource setting. Method: Using a descriptive qualitative approach, 15 caregivers were purposively selected in the Accra Metropolis and interviewed face to face. Collaizi’s seven step method was used to perform content analysis and four themes emerged. Results: Study findings revealed that caregivers had different perceptions regarding the causes of cerebral palsy with most of them linked to spiritual reasons. Caregivers faced physical, emotional, financial, marital and social challenges. The study also found that the external network available to the caregivers were mainly NGO’s with limited governmental support. Conclusion: Caregivers face an arduous task which has implications for their physical and emotional wellbeing as well as their ¦nances. Multiple stakeholder engagement and dialogue is vital to create interventions and policies that can educate, empower and support caregivers to execute their duties and improve outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.