Determination of Awareness Levels of Caregivers for Children with Disabilities About Their Children's Disease, Physiotherapy, and Sports Activities

Authors : Hatice Adigüzel, Pınar Kuyulu, Nevin Ergun

Pages : 590-609

Doi:10.21020/husbfd.1229106

View : 98 | Download : 113

Publication Date : 2023-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the awareness levels of caregivers of disabled children about their child\'s illness, physiotherapy, and sports activities. Materials and Methods: Caregivers (n=65) of children with a mean age of 6,50±5,29 diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP), spina bifida (SD), Down syndrome (DS), and muscular dystrophy (MD) were included in the study. The ‘Disease, Physiotherapy, and Sports Awareness Questionnaire’ consisting of 12 multiple-choice questions specific to disease groups was applied. Results: Of the caregivers (n=65) with a mean age of 34.43±10.16 who participated in the study (83% mothers, 4.6% fathers, 4.6% siblings, and 7.7% others). The definition of the disease was made correctly at 92.9% in the DS, 63.6% in the CP, 85.7% in the SB, and 72.7% in the MD group. Sensory problems in SB were known at a rate of 26.7%. 85.7% of the DS, 62.5% of the CP, 40% of the SB, and 45.5% of the MD group had accurate information in terms of physiotherapy content. There was no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05) when caregivers’ responses about participation in sports activities were compared according to disability groups. Of caregivers for children with DS, 92.9%, 75% of CP, 58.3% of MD, and 92.9% of SB stated that their children could do sports. Conclusions: All caregivers thought that sports would positively affect their children\'s general well-being, motivation, and increase in physical capacity. Although it was identified that the disease awareness levels of caregivers for children with disabilities and their ideas about sports activities were at a good level.
Keywords : Engelli çocuk, Bakımveren, Fizyoterapi, Spor, Farkındalık