The Effect of Self-Learning Module on the Burden of Care for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Cerebral Palsy is one of the most complex of the common permanent disabling conditions and disorder of movement, muscle tone and posture that is caused by damage that occurs most often before birth and during developing brain. Aim: the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of self-learning module on the burden of care for children with cerebral palsy. Design: A quasi-experimental research design (pre-posttest) was used. Setting: The study was carried out at Sett Khadra Child Health Center in Helwan referred from Helwan general hospital affiliated to Ministry of Health and Physiotherapy Unit in Mustafa Hassan Pediatric Hospital affiliated to Fyoum University Hospital. Sample consisted of 70 children and their accompaying caregivers suffering from cerebral palsy disease. Tool: consists of three tools to assess: I: Structured interview questionnaire sheet to assess caregivers’ knowledge regarding cerebral palsy and daily living activity II: Observational checklist to assess caregivers' reported practices regarding care of their children with cerebral palsy) pre/post test (III: Caregiver’s attitude scale sheet to assess caregivers' attitude regarding cerebral palsy. Results: there were statistical significance difference between caregivers’ characteristic and their total knowledge and total practices regarding cerebral palsy pre and post module. Also, there were statistically significant positive correlation between caregivers’ total attitude and their total practice and total knowledge in pre and post self-learning module. Conclusion: Based upon the results of the current study, it can be concluded that self-learning module had appositive effect on caregivers' knowledge, practices and attitude regarding care of their children with cerebral palsy which led to decrease burden of care for children with cerebral palsy. Recommendation: Continuous health education program to mothers regarding cerebral palsy, complications, different aspects of care and management plan.