Factors influencing cerebral palsy caregivers’ adherence to occupational therapy in Uasin Gishu county: a case of Moi teaching and referral hospital

Abstract

Cerebral palsy is regarded as one of the leading cause of childhood disability worldwide. If poorly managed it can result in negative health outcomes, permananet disabilities increased healthcare costs. Little is known about the factors causing cerebral palsy nonadherence to occupational therapy intervention in UasinGishu County. The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing caregivers’ adherence to prescribed occupational therapy intervention in Uasin Gishu County and suggest strategies for reducing their impact. The objectives of the study were: to examine the effect of travelling distance on adherence to occupational therapy intervention; to find out the influence of communication between clinician and the caregivers on adherence to occupational therapy intervention;to examine the impact of social/economic support on adherence to occpational therapy intervention; the effect of waiting time on adherence to therapeutic intervention; the effects of parents knowledge of disease on adherence and importance of treatment. The purpose of the study was to identify factors influencing caregivers adherence to occupational therapy in Uasin Gishu County. The study employed qualitative design and purposive sampling technique in sample and gathering data. The target population were all the cerebral palsy caregivers bringing their children for occupational therapy at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and all the occupational therapists working in occupational therapy outpatient department as key informants. The research instruments used to collect data included interview schedule guide, focus group discussions and structured questionnairs for the key informants. With the guide of the Health Belief Model (HBM) conceptual framework. Data collected was analyzed using thematic content analysis and descriptive statistics and frequency distribution tables and Percentages were used to demonstrate the results. The study findings were realized and conclusion and recommendation were made, which may aid in improving treatment of cerebral palsy patients. Results indicated that all parents understood their role in the treatment of cerebral palsy and consequences of not following the treatment regime. The factors that affect parents attending regular occupational therapy appointments include: travelling distance and high cost of treatment; poor social/family support and, poor knowledge of cerebral palsy and its treatment. The respondet reported that they did not have any problems with waiting time and and interaction with the clinicians. Conclusion- there is need for the government to increase awareness through sensitization on, cerebral palsy and its treatment among the parents and caregivers. There is need to decentralize cerebral palsy services away from referral hospitals to the people in the community through outreach programs.