Abstract

JAHAN, Israt et al. Epidemiology of cerebral palsy among children in Ghana. Afr. j. disabil. (Online) [online]. 2024, vol.13, pp.1-9. ISSN 2226-7220.  https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v13i0.1336.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of cerebral palsy (CP) is poorly described in Ghana. These data are crucial for evidence-based intervention for children with CP in the country OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe the epidemiology of CP among children in Ghana METHOD: We established the first institution-based register of children with CP in Ghana (Ghana CP Register-GCPR). Children with confirmed CP aged < 18 years were registered following a detailed neurodevelopmental assessment. Socio-demographics, risk factors, predominant motor type and topography, gross motor function classification system (GMFCS), associated impairments, education and rehabilitation status were documented RESULTS: Between October 2018 and February 2020, 455 children were registered (mean [standard deviation {s.d.}] age at assessment: 5.9 [4.1] years). Preterm birth and low birthweight were reported in 52.0% and 21.1% children respectively. Most children (79.6%) had a pre- or perinatally acquired CP and the mean (s.d.) age of CP diagnosis was 22.2 (21.6) months. Overall, 55.9% of children had spastic tri- or quadriplegia, 60.5% had GMFCS level III-V and 70.3% had ≥ 1 associated impairment. However, 20.5% had never received rehabilitation services and 69.6% of school-aged children in the GCPR were not enrolled in schools CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate a high burden of severe motor and associated impairment among children with CP in Ghana which highlights the need for tailored interventions to improve health and well-being of children with CP in the country CONTRIBUTION: The study highlights the need for interventions to improve functional outcome, health and well-being of children with CP in Ghana

Keywords : disability; cerebral palsy; register; epidemiology; children; low-and middle-income countries.

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