An evaluation of quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy

Purpose: To evaluate the quality of life of mothers with children suffering from cerebral palsy compared with those who have children with minor health problems. Method: Forty mothers with a child suffering from cerebral palsy and 44 mothers with a child suffering from minor health problems participated in a comparative study. The Turkish version of the Medical Outcomes 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess a mother's quality of life. The severity of a child's motor disability was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Results: With the exception of the SF-36 physical functioning subscale, the mean scores on the SF-36 subscales were significantly lower in mothers of children with CP than those of the comparison group. The quality of life scores of mothers were significantly correlated with the severity of a child's motor disability ( except physical functioning subscale). Significant correlations were found between GMFCS and the role physical; vitality; role emotional; and mental health subscales of the SF-36. Conclusions: The quality of life pro. le of mothers of children with cerebral palsy is different from those who have a child with minor health problems. Different coping strategies and psychosocial programmes must be designed and implemented to decrease the burden of care.