The perceptions of parents and caregivers on the causes of disabilities in children with cerebral palsy: A qualitative investigation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of parents and caregivers on the causes of disabilities in children with cerebral palsy in selected areas of the Cape Metropolitan. A qualitative research design was chosen for the investigation. Data collection was by semi-structured interviews. The results showed that the range of variation in the beliefs of the parents and caregivers concerning the cause of the child’s disability and the stigma attached was quite considerable. However, the majority of the informants hardly knew the causes of disabilities while only a few informants seemed to have known. It is recommended that health professionals who work with families directly could play a major role in preventing unnecessary stressful situations by providing adequate information about the child’s condition in terms of aetiology and the likely prognosis. Helping and working with such families require a multidisciplinary effort, effective communication among families and professionals, and knowledge of community resources.

Qualitative research in physiotherapy: A systematic mapping review of 20 years literature from sub-Saharan Africa

“…Among the 75 studies that used purposive sampling, 47 (62.7%) did not specify the type of purposive sampling. Nonetheless, 15 used maximum variation (Chetty et al, 2016;Chiwaridzo et al, 2019a, b;Diameta et al, 2018;Dizon et al, 2016Dizon et al, , 2017Hanass, Hancock, Myezwa, Nixon, and Gibbs, 2015;Kambole and Struthers, 2009;Maddocks et al, 2018;Maddocks et al, 2020;Rowe, 2015;Urimubenshi and Rhoda, 2011;Visagie and Swartz, 2016), seven used criterion sampling (Akinrolie, Okoh, and Kalu, 2020; Igwesi-Chidobe, Sorinola, Kitchen and Godfrey, 2018a; Khondowe Rhoda, and Mpofu, 2007;Meyer, Louw, and Ernstze, 2019;Mweshi and Mpofu, 2001;Schmutz, Meyer, and Archer, 2019;Seymour, Geiger, and Scheffler, 2019), two used random purposive (Ernstzen and Bitzer, 2012;Ernstzen, Bitzer, and Grimmer-Somers, 2010), while one each used study multi-stage (Stander, Grimmer, and Brink, 2019), cluster purposive (Lowu et al, 2018), theoretical sampling (Shead, Roos, Olivier, and Ihunwo, 2019) and criterion based and extreme/deviant case sampling .…”

“…Two studies recruited patients, relatives, students and healthcare professionals (Chetty, Hanass, and Myezwa, 2016) and unconventional practitioners, including patent medicine sellers, herbalists and pastors (Igwesi-Chidobe, Sorinola, Kitchen and Godfrey, 2018b). Participants' age ranges from 15 years old (Mweshi and Mpofu, 2001;Wazakili et al, 2011) to 86 years (Khondowe, Rhoda and Mpofu, 2007).…”

“…The method of data analysis was not defined in seven of the included studies (Dizon et al, 2016;Hanekom, Van Aswegen, Plani, and Patman, 2015;Ennion and Hess, 2020;Grimmer-Somers, Crous, Marais, and Amosum, 2007;Mweshi and Mpofu, 2001;Struters and Phil, 2006;Taukobong, 2004). When analysis methods were defined, thematic analysis (n=54) and content analysis (n=35) were the most common method used.…”

Childhood Educational Experiences of Women With Cerebral Palsy

“…Stigmatization is the social disapproval of an individual or group whose appearance or behavior is not consistent with mainstream society. The stigmatization associated with CP is lifelong; it affects not only the person with CP but also his or her family, education experiences, work environment, and even society in general (Green, 2003; Green, Davis, Karshmer, Marsh, & Straight, 2005; McLaughlin, Bell, & Stringer, 2004; Mweshi & Mpofu, 2001). “The stigmatization associated with CP is lifelong; it affects not only the person with CP but also his or her family, education experiences, work environment, and even society in general.”…”