Relationship between sociodemographic features gross motor function and activity participation level in children with cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy (SP); It is a disorder that occurs as a result of damage to the structures of the central nervous system before, during or after birth. SP, which develops as a result of a non-progressive lesion in the developing brain, can cause age-varying activity limitations and posture disorders. These problems accompanying the disease make children with CP constantly in need of special attention and care. This situation can affect parents physically, socially and psychologically and decrease the quality of life. However, the sociodemographic characteristics of the family and the attitudes and behaviors of the family members primarily affect the motor and mental development of children with CP. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of sociodemographic features on children's functionality and activity participation levels. Our study is one of the sociodemographic characteristics of 82 patients diagnosed with SP between the ages of 5-18; age, gender, number of siblings, maternal age, birth age, home type of residence, maternal education level, monthly income level were recorded. Functional and activity contributions were evaluated through the Gross Motor Function Classification System (KMFSS), Pediatric Disability Assessment Inventory (PEDI) scales. Relationships between parameters were determined by performing statistical analysis of the obtained results. The analyzes showed that there was a significant relationship between KMFSS and PEDI (p <0.05). A significant difference was found between the social function and self- care level, and the number of siblings and age of the children, among the sub-dimensions of the PEDI scale (p <0.05). No significant difference was found between gender and KMFSS and PEDI (p> 0.05). 2 As a result, the number of siblings and the age of the child affect the level of gross motor function and activity participation, and we think that it will be beneficial for physiotherapists to consider this issue when planning an evaluation and treatment program. Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Sociodemographic feature, Gross motor function, Activity participation level