Relationship between Level of Gross Motor Function Classification System and Quality of Life in Children withCerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background and Objective: Quality of life (QoL) evaluation is an important aspect in management of children with cerebral palsy (CP) as it helps provide robust information of the children’s health status, from the physical, emotional and social context. QoL assessment findings also assist healthcare professionals to make decisions regarding their intervention. Previous studies showed that the QoL of children with CP is lower than that of their normal peers. However, its associated factors were under-reported. This study aims to determine the association between Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and the QoL of children with CP. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 71 children (46 males and 25 females), aged from 7 to 18 years old. The Malay version of Paediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scale were given to the parents to report their child’s QoL. Results: Higher QoL score was reported in the psychosocial than physical domains regardless the GMFCS category. Spearman correlation test results shows a significant, strong correlation between GMFCS level and all QoL domains score, with r > 0.7, p < 0.05
among the children. Conclusion: Management of children with CP should include assessment and intervention related to not just physical aspects, but emotional and social aspects such as communication and social skills.