Evaluation of children with cerebral palsy in life participation in EARLY childhood period

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) describes movement problems resulting from a lesion in the developing brain. The frequency in our country has been reported as 4.4 per 1000 live births. The Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) scale used in our study allows to evaluate participation in life in a healthy or determined patient group. Participation in life refers to the involvement of the child in important daily activities in the community, school and home. Objective: In our study, it was aimed to evaluate participation in life and to determine the factors affecting participation in life in children aged 5-7 years with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy followed in Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Pediatrics Hospital. Materials and Methods: Forty children aged 5-7 years who applied to Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child Health and Diseases, Department of Child Neurology and Developmental Pediatrics with the diagnosis of cerebral palsy or continued their follow-up in this department were included in the study. After the sociodemographic data form was filled by the investigator, the child's physical examination was performed, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was scored, and home and community area of the PEM-CY scale was administered by face-to-face interviews with families. Results: Thirty (75%) of the children were male, 16 (40%) were preterm. The cases have at least one health problem accompanying the diagnosis of CP. The most common problem is orthopedic problems affecting one or more extremities. In our study, it was determined that the monthly income of 10 families was below the minimum wage, and the mothers of 15 children and the fathers of 16 children were educated at primary-secondary school level. It was determined that 20 of the children participating in the study were at GMCFS level 1-2-3, and 20 of them were at level 4-5. A statistically significant relationship was found between 3 domains (socializing with computers and video games, watching TV videos and DVDs, socializing using technology) and GMCFS levels of 4-5 related to the participation of children in the home environment. There was no statistically significant relationship between participation in home and community life and mother's education level, father's education level, financial income and gender. Conclusion: A significant relationship was found between the use of technology and screen in the home life of children with CP, participation in life and a GMCFS level of 4-5. Keywords: Cerebral palsy, participation in life, GMCFS, PEM-CY