Beyond the Diagnosis: A Biopsychosocial Inquiry into Maternal Caregiving in Cerebral Palsy.

Abstract:

Cerebral palsy is a chronic neurological condition that affects children's physical and cognitive development, often requiring long-term caregiving. Mothers commonly assume the primary caregiving role and subsequently experience significant challenges that affect their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Understanding these experiences is essential to informing holistic and family-centred care. The study explored the physical, psychological, and social experiences of mothers caring for children living with cerebral palsy, guided by the biopsychosocial model. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Fifteen mothers of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy were purposively selected from a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and ananlysed using thematic content analysis. Mothers reported delays in developmental milestones, feeding difficulties, and recurrent seizures in their children, which resulted in intense and continuous caregiving demands. Physically, mothers experienced fatigue, back pain, and sleep deprivation. Psychologically, they reported mental stress, worry, and periods of sadness, primarily linked to caregiving responsibilities and financial strain. Socially, mothers encountered stigma, isolation, and strained family relationships. However, some mothers demonstrated resilience through faith, self-motivation, and support from family members. Caring for a child with cerebral palsy significantly affects the physical, emotional, and social well-being of mothers. Holistic, family-centred care is essential to address caregiver needs alongside the child’s health needs. Strengthening psychosocial support, improving access to financial and respite resources, and fostering community awareness may enhance the well-being and caregiving capacity of mothers.