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Compliance by cerebral palsy (CP) patients attending a child neurology service, in a developing country: a
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
Insights
Cerebral palsy (CP) patient compliance with clinic follow-ups is very low, with over 88% defaulting. Socio-economic status significantly impacts attendance, highlighting the need for targeted support to improve care for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) necessitates consistent medical follow-up for optimal management.
- Understanding patient compliance is crucial for effective healthcare delivery in neurology units.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the compliance rate of cerebral palsy patients with recommended clinic follow-ups.
- To identify factors associated with poor compliance among CP patients at a tertiary hospital.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 155 cerebral palsy patients.
- Data collection spanned three years (1985-1987) with follow-up until 1988.
- Analysis of compliance rates and correlation with socio-economic status, CP type, and co-morbidities.
Main Results:
- A high default rate exceeding 88% was observed.
- Only 18 out of 155 registered CP patients remained in follow-up.
- Default rate significantly correlated with lower socio-economic status; no correlation found with CP type or other neurological disorders.
Conclusions:
- Low compliance among cerebral palsy patients poses a challenge to consistent care.
- Socio-economic factors are key determinants of patient default from follow-up.
- Early identification of at-risk patients and tailored support are essential to improve adherence and outcomes.
Abstract:
In an attempt to determine the extent to which cerebral palsy patients complied with doctors' recommendations, by regularly attending the follow-up clinics of the Paediatric Neurology Unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, the records of the CP patients seen in the Unit during three years (1985-1987) were scrutinized. A very high default rate of over 88% was noted. Of the 155 CP patients registered during the period, only 18 were still attending the clinic by the end of 1988, the follow-up period ranging from 12 to 47 months. Default from follow-up correlated significantly with the socio-economic status of the patients. There was no correlation between compliance and the type of CP, or the presence of other concurrent neurological disorders. It is thought that early recognition of factors that are associated with poor compliance is important. It will result in early identification of the group at risk for default, and in efforts being made to give them the support and advice that will enable them to benefit fully from the available services.