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Characteristics of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Their Utilization of Services in Saudi Arabia
Maysoun Nimer Saleh1,2, Ahmad Alharbi1, Abdulaziz Albalwi1
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
This study reveals that children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Saudi Arabia often have multiple impairments but low service utilization. Findings highlight unmet needs and support improved rehabilitation strategies for children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) research is expanding in developing nations to understand affected children and service access.
- Understanding the characteristics and service utilization of children with CP in Saudi Arabia is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe children with CP in Saudi Arabia.
- To analyze service utilization based on Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and geographic regions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 227 children with CP was conducted.
- Parents reported on demographics, impairments, and service utilization.
- Data were analyzed by GMFCS levels and region.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of children had three or more impairments (speech, visual, learning most common).
- Most children used 2-5 services, but school attendance (62.3%) and occupational (65.9%) and speech therapy (14.3%) access were low.
- Service utilization varied by GMFCS level, with some children in GMFCS level I not receiving neurologist services.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study detailing CP in Saudi Arabia and associated service use.
- Despite numerous impairments, service utilization remains low, indicating significant unmet needs.
- Findings advocate for a comprehensive rehabilitation approach and optimized service allocation for children with CP.
Abstract:
The recent emergence of research on cerebral palsy (CP) in developing countries aims to improve knowledge on affected children and the utilization of the available services. This study seeks to describe children with CP in Saudi Arabia and service utilization as per Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and geographic regions. A cross-sectional survey of 227 children with CP (Mean age 6.3, SD 3.9 years) was conducted. Parents reported on children's demographics, impairments, and service utilization. Half of the children (n = 113, 49.8%) had ≥3 impairments with speech, visual and learning impairments being the most frequent. The total number of impairments differed significantly by GMFCS, F (4, 218) = 8.87, p < 0.001. Most of the children (n = 86, 83.4%) used 2-5 services. Moreover, 139 (62.3%) did not attend school, 147 (65.9%) did not receive occupational therapy, and only 32 (14.3%) received speech therapy. More children in GMFCS level I did not receive neurologist services. Profiles of children and services were described by GMFCS and by regions. This was the first study to describe children with CP and service utilization in Saudi Arabia. Although many impairments affected the children, there was low utilization of related services. Data on service utilization and on unmet needs support a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and the proper service allocation.
