Demographic Characteristics and Functional Status of Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder which is caused by brain damage before and after birth and is a common disability on a child that results in functional limitations and secondary complications which could affect the child in performing the activities of daily living. This study sought to assess the demographic characteristics and functional status of children with cerebral palsy and was conducted among select barangays in Cagayan de Oro City utilizing a descriptive method among 34 respondents. This study utilized a researcher-made questionnaire with a Cronbach Alpha score of 0.772, interpreted as reliable, FABS/Mv2 by Gray, and QUEST by Dematteo et al.As to the hand and arm function using the QUEST, majority of the respondents scored poor which means that majority of the children with cerebral palsy have no change in hand function. As to the gross motor function using GMFCS, the majority of the respondents have very limited self-mobility, even with assistive technology. The researchers found that precaution and preventive measures are necessary to promote awareness of the possible secondary complications that may occur to the child and also the benefit of using technology and adapted equipment for the child to be able to integrate socially.

Keywords:  Cerebral Palsy, Demographic Characteristics, Facilitator and Barriers Survey/Mobility, Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, Gross Motor Function Classification System