Development of a Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Registry in Jordan (CPUP-Jordan)

This study aims to describe the development of a Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Registry in Jordan (CPUP-Jordan) and to provide a baseline child and parent demographic information, birth history of the child participants, and distribution of the participants based on topographical distribution of cerebral palsy (CP) and functional classification systems.

The CPUP-Jordan was developed using a similar framework of a follow-up surveillance programme for persons with CP in Sweden (CPUP). Standard assessment forms were utilized to collect data related to child and family demographics, child birth history, and functional classifications and physiotherapy and occupational therapy assessments and interventions. Research assistants were trained to conduct the assessments. A secured web-based system was developed to store data and disseminate knowledge maintained in the registry. Children with CP were included in the registry if they have confirmed diagnosis of CP. The ascertainment age of inclusion and the minimum age of survival required are 4 years.

One hundred sixty-seven children were registered between 2013 and 2015 (mean age is 3.6 ± 3.0 years). Forty-two percent were born premature, and 48% were less than the normal birthweight. Perinatal causes were reported for 54% of the participants. The most common type of CP based on tone disturbance was spastic type, and the most common topographical distributions of motor dysfunction were quadriplegia followed by diplegia. Fifty-six percent of the participants had severe limitation in ambulation; 48% had restricted manual abilities, and 47% had limited communication abilities even with familiar family members and partners.

The development of CPUP-Jordan registry for children with CP proved to be both feasible and informative. The registry baseline descriptive data were similar to those reported in previous research in Jordan supporting validity of the data. The implementation of CPUP-Jordan at national level is expected to have a positive impact on children with CP, clinicians, policymakers, and researchers.