Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the pain seen in individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and to investigate its impacts on the parents. Material and Methods: The study included 66 individuals with Cerebral Palsy aged between 6-16, with a mean age of 8.83±3.17. The levels of the individuals included in the study were determined using the Gross Motor Function Classification System and the Manual Ability Classification System. The pain intensity of the individuals with Cerebral Palsy was assessed through a visual analog scale reported by the parents. The Impact on Family Scale was used to determine the state of the parents' impact. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between the visual analog scale and sub-parameters of the Impact on Family Scale, excluding the coping parameter (p<0.05). A statistically significant result was found when comparing the Impact on Family Scale total scores according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System levels (p=0.026). Parents stated that their children with CP most frequently experienced leg pain, at a rate of 34.8%. Conclusion: Our results showed that the prevalence of pain in children with Cerebral Palsy is high. The pain problems observed in individuals with Cerebral Palsy negatively impact their parents in many financial, social and familial aspects. The assessment and prevention of pain in children with CP is an important issue for both children and parents.

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