The quality of life in primary caregivers of children with cerebral palsy

• Grant number: 13/21361-1
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2014
• Effective date (End): April 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal researcher: Patrícia Carla de Souza Della Barba
• Grantee: Nathalia Abreu dos Santos
• Home Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The caregiver, in addition to its role of caring for others, also need to take care of yourself, and this perception is important when it comes to intervention with children with disabilities. The literature points to differences in the level of motor impairment in children with cerebral palsy interfere with quality of life of caregivers, some point to significant differences and others not significant. The objective of this research is to identify possible relationships between motor impairment in children with cerebral palsy, the quality of life of their primary caregivers, and perceived social support for this caregiver. Two functional classifications will be used for the child with cerebral palsy: which are enlarged and revised version of the System of Motor Function Classification (GMFCS - E & R - Gross Motor Function Classification System Expanded and Revised, 2007) and Ability Classification System manual ( MACS - manual Ability Classification System , 2006) . The primary caregivers, there will be a generic instrument on quality of life, SF-36 ( Item Short-Form Health Survey) and social support questionnaire (SSQ - Social Support Questionnaire). It is a study of quantitative, descriptive, correlational character. The data will be analyzed quantitatively by correlation of variables by Pearson's correlation test. Expected to provide health professionals with attention in a wider aspects os the care of children with cerebral palsy, considering the needs of the caregiver in their plans.