A Cross Sectional Survey on Prevalence Rate and Physical Therapy Awareness of Cerebral Palsy in Panipat City

Abstract

Aim: This cross-sectional study assessed prevalence rate and physical therapy awareness of cerebral palsy (CP) in Panipat city. Method: A total two hundred (107 male and 93 female) of age between 2 to 7 year subject with premature birth (< 36 weeks) and low birth weight (< 2500 g) participated in the study. A structured questionnaire which sought information on socio-demographics, gestational age, birth weight, mother history, neonatal history, MAS and DTR scale was used to obtain data from the respondents who were taken from all government and private hospitals/ nursing homes having obstetrics and gynaecology department. Result: More than one fourth of the respondents, 54 (27%) reported diagnosis was cerebral palsy hence 27.0% is reported prevalence rate and 42.6% was aware of physical therapy importance in cerebral palsy. There were significant associations between gestational age and low birth weight. A significant association was also found between delayed cry and birth asphyxia and cerebral palsy. Conclusion: It was concluded from the results of the present study that there was a high prevalence rate of CP and low physical therapy awareness in Panipat city. It was also found that cerebral palsy was significantly influenced by prematurity and low birth weight.