Social determinants of health for children with cerebral palsy and their families

Abstract

Social determinants of health (SDH) influence health and social outcomes in positive and negative ways. Understanding the impact of SDH on children with cerebral palsy (CP) is essential to improve health equity, optimize health outcomes, and support children with CP and their families to thrive in society. In this narrative review, we summarize the landscape of SDH impacting children with CP and their families worldwide. In high‐income countries, children from poorer neighbourhoods are more likely to have severe comorbidities, present with spastic bilateral CP, and report lower frequency of participation in community activities. In low‐ and middle‐income countries, socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with increased risk of malnutrition, living in poorer housing conditions, not having access to proper sanitation, and living below the poverty line. Low maternal education is associated with increased likelihood of the child with CP experiencing increased severity of gross motor and bimanual functioning challenges, and poorer academic performance. Lower parental education is also associated with reduced child autonomy. On the other hand, higher parental income is a protective factor, associated with greater diversity of participation in day‐to‐day activities. A better physical environment and better social support are associated with higher participation in daily activities. Clinicians, researchers, and the community should be aware of these key challenges and opportunities. Then adopt a range of approaches that target adverse SDH/social needs and foster positive SDH in the clinical setting.

Task-oriented training effect on promoting motor skills and daily physical activities in learners with musculoskeletal impairment

“…Today, children with cerebral palsy must be considered a continuous and active factor requiring systematic social decisions (Flanagan, Gaebler, Bart-Plange, & Msall, 2021;Graham, Paget, & Wimalasundera, 2019;Ostojic et al, 2023;Patel, Neelakantan, Pandher, & Merrick, 2020). It requires additional scientific justification of the most optimal methods of pedagogical influence and organizational aspects that allow for more effectively solving healthimproving and formative issues.…”

The Impact of Group Psychoeducation for Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Its impact extends beyond the affected individual to profoundly affect their families, particularly mothers who often assume the primary caregiving role (2). The daily challenges associated with caring for a child with cerebral palsy can have substantial emotional, physical, and financial repercussions for mothers (3).…”