The effect of the functıonal levels and extremıty dıstrıbutıon of chıldren wıth cerebral palsy on parentıng stress level

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the functional levels and extremity distribution of children with cerebral palsy on parenting stress level. A total of 73 children with cerebral palsy consisting of 25 quadriparetic, 23 diparetic, 25 hemiparetic children who were between 4-12 years old and the average of age of whom was 7,64±2,79, and their parents were included in this research. After the extremity distributions of the children were determined, they were assessed by means of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). The accompanying problems were obtained from the hospital files and the cognitive levels (intelligence quotient (IQ)) were determined. The parents were applied questionnaire, using Parenting Stress Index Short Form. In this study, significant difference has been found between stress level of parents of children with cerebral palsy and child's extremity distribution, GMFCS level, MACS level, the level of CFCS, parental age and presence of social security (p<0,05). A statistically significant difference between the stress levels of the mothers and fathers was observed (p<0,05). No significant difference depending on the education level, caregiver support, and marital status occurred (p>0,05). The stress levels of parents of children with spastic cerebral palsy are affected by the level of children's functional levels and extremity distributions.