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Behavioral difficulties, sleep problems, and nighttime pain in children with cerebral palsy

Linda Horwood1, Patricia Li1, Elise Mok2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|October 21, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Behavioral difficulties affect one in four children with cerebral palsy (CP). These issues are linked to sleep problems and nighttime pain, highlighting the need for integrated care approaches.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Children with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit a higher risk for behavioral difficulties.
  • Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of behavioral difficulties in preschool and school-aged children with CP.
  • To assess the association between behavioral difficulties and sleep problems, nighttime pain, and child characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Caregivers of 113 children with CP (aged 4-12 years) completed validated questionnaires.
  • Assessed child behavior (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), sleep disturbances, and nighttime pain.

Main Results:

  • Behavioral difficulties were reported in 25.6% of children with CP.
  • Significant associations were found between behavioral difficulties and sleep problems (OR 9.1) and nighttime pain (OR 4.1).
  • Sleep problems remained a significant predictor (aOR 7.5) after adjusting for other factors.

Conclusions:

  • Behavioral difficulties are common in children with CP, affecting approximately one in four.
  • Sleep problems and nighttime pain are key associated factors requiring clinical attention.
  • Integrated management addressing behavioral, sleep, and pain issues is vital for children with CP.
Abstract

Keywords:
BehaviorCerebral palsyPainSleepStrengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

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