The Herald
Dr Jermaine Dambi Correspondent
Giving birth to a healthy child is the ultimate dream for all expecting couples.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case if a child is born with a disability.
The dynamics become even more complex if the child is diagnosed with a life-time condition such as cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy often abbreviated CP is the most common disability worldwide.
Most children with CP often present with multiple medical conditions, for example, seizures are quite common in children with CP.
Furthermore, most children often face challenges in performing day-to-day activities such as sitting independently, walking, eating, and bathing amongst other activities.
Consequently, children with CP often require life-time assistance from parents or other family caregivers.
A family caregiver is defined as a person who provides most of the care to a child with a disability daily and are not paid for the role.
Unfortunately, studies have shown that caregivers of children with CP are likely to suffer from poor mental health.
Caregivers are at risk of developing common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety due to the excessive demands of the care-giving role.
It is known that caring for a typically developing child is challenging and the dynamics become even more complex if the child has a lifetime disability which requires specialised care.
Multiple factors contribute to poor mental health functioning in family caregivers. Our recent study has shown that myths surrounding the causes of CP are still prevalent in Zimbabwe as in other low-resource settings.
Medically, CP is caused by damage to the developing brain.
The damage is once-off and does not increase with the passage of time. The damage can happen during pregnancy, for example, if an expecting mother is involved in a road traffic accident, the physical trauma may lead to brain damage as the amniotic fluid may not provide enough cushioning.
Further, events during the birth process (e.g. prolonged labour, breech presentation), and after birth (e.g. complicated infections of the brain tissue such as meningitis) may lead to a child acquiring CP.
Of concern is that in certain spheres of our society, myths including that CP is a product of witchcraft and is a sign of bad luck, are still common.
Some societies also hold to the misconception that childhood disabilities are a product of ancestral punishment for maternal promiscuity, a misplaced belief.
Such beliefs have in some cases resulted in marriage breakdown and divorces in the worse-case-scenarios. This is rather unfortunate as scientific evidence has shown that caregivers who receive an adequate amount of social support are likely to adjust better to the demands of care-giving.
Cerebral palsy is a complex condition, consequently, most children continuously require continuous access to specialised medical care.
Some children may also present with multiple complications such as difficulties in feeding which necessitates specialised diets.
It is needless to say that not all children with CP present the same i.e. the severity of the disability and functional limitations vary from one child to the next.
For example, some children will be able to walk independently with others being totally dependent on caregivers to move from one point to another. For severely disabled children, mobility aids such as wheelchairs are essential.
Unfortunately, CP is more common in poorer communities, as a result most caregivers are likely to struggle to provide all the childs needs.
Research has also shown that even caregivers in high-income countries are also likely to face economic challenges in meeting the childs needs as well.
For instance, caregivers may not afford specialised day-care and in some instance, parents/caregivers may have to forego some income-generation activities to assume the care-giving role.
Providing care may be envisaged as a circumstantial, full-time career. A lack of income-generation thus creates a vicious-cycle given the increased financial demands of caring for a child with a life-long disability.
In addition to negative effects on the caregivers mental health, providing care to a child with a disability can also lead to physical health problems.
Physical ailments such as low back pain and joint pains are common in caregivers. Children with CP as other typically-developing children become heavier as they grow.
As such, if caregivers are not taught properly handling and lifting techniques, they are likely to be at risk of chronic pain syndromes.
Other physical ailments such as increased blood pressure, lack of adequate sleep and excessive acid secretions leading to stomach ulcers are also common in caregivers.
These symptoms are some of the classical signs and symptoms of common mental disorders such as depression.
This further illustrates the link between poor physical and mental health. So then what is the solution or how best can the mental health of caregiver be improved?
Improvement of caregivers mental health requires a collective, multi-sectorial approach to care. For instance, there is a need to economically-empower caregivers so that they can be self-sufficient given the high costs associated with caring for a child a disability.
There is need for public-private partnerships in economic-empowering initiatives such as vocational skills training and micro-financing.
Above all there is also need for holistic approach care approach with the recognition that caregivers physical and mental health may be negatively affected.
It is imperative that healthcare practitioners and other relevant stakeholders appreciate the need for constantly screening for both mental and medical conditions in caregivers in addition to providing care to children with CP, which is usually the prime focus.
More importantly, there is need to develop context-specific, caregiver well-being interventions which are in keeping of resources at disposal.
Jermaine Dambi is a PhD alumni of the African Mental Health Research Initiative (AMARI).
Originally posted here:
Social support on caregivers mental health - The Herald
- Man With Cerebral Palsy Imitates Michael Phelps Rule Yourself Video - SwimSwam - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Baby Connor McCue diagnosed with cerebral palsy - months after successful liver transplant - Stoke Sentinel - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Fundraiser for local teacher with cerebral palsy takes off - Longview Daily News - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Rockford athlete with cerebral palsy trains for IRONMAN World ... - Fox17 - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Andrew Spencer: Norwood teen with cerebral palsy found safe after ... - WCPO - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- I'm Celebrating Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month For the First Time ... - TeenVogue.com - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Cerebral palsy Overview - Mayo Clinic - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Local 22-year-old girl with Cerebral Palsy to get free chair lift - 13newsnow.com - March 25th, 2017 [March 25th, 2017]
- Missing 13-year-old with cerebral palsy found safe - WLWT.com - WLWT Cincinnati - March 26th, 2017 [March 26th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy | The Mighty - March 26th, 2017 [March 26th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy Overview - Cerebal Palsy Guidance - March 26th, 2017 [March 26th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy Group Support and Resources for Cerebral Palsy - March 26th, 2017 [March 26th, 2017]
- Teen with cerebral palsy earns spot in state finals for track and field - 7News - WSVN-TV - March 27th, 2017 [March 27th, 2017]
- Parma mother of child with Cerebral Palsy gets unexplainable water and sewer bills - newsnet5.com - March 27th, 2017 [March 27th, 2017]
- Living with cerebral palsy - TheChronicleHerald.ca - March 28th, 2017 [March 28th, 2017]
- Cerebral palsy couldn't stop Gillian from finishing eight remarkable races - Belfast Telegraph - March 28th, 2017 [March 28th, 2017]
- Life's Equation Book Signing for National Cerebral Palsy Month - FOX31 Denver - March 28th, 2017 [March 28th, 2017]
- Montrose cerebral palsy sufferer reaches impasse with Angus Council - Montrose Review - March 30th, 2017 [March 30th, 2017]
- Living with cerebral palsy, he's also become 'The Dude': a food critic - MyAJC - March 30th, 2017 [March 30th, 2017]
- uOttawa students engineer foot-controlled TV converter for man with ... - Ottawa Citizen - March 30th, 2017 [March 30th, 2017]
- Cerebral palsy children's home receives a face-lift - Rising Sun Overport - March 30th, 2017 [March 30th, 2017]
- Youngstown news, Taekwondo helps 13-year-old with cerebral palsy - Youngstown Vindicator - March 30th, 2017 [March 30th, 2017]
- Man born with Cerebral Palsy thanks Michael Phelps for teaching ... - WOTV4women.com - March 30th, 2017 [March 30th, 2017]
- Cavs ticket winner gives prize to 10-year-old with cerebral palsy - fox8.com - March 30th, 2017 [March 30th, 2017]
- 12-Year-Old with Cerebral Palsy Meets His 'Hero' John Cena: 'My Heart Melts,' Says Dad - PEOPLE.com - March 31st, 2017 [March 31st, 2017]
- Norfolk family's video of son with cerebral palsy goes viral - 13newsnow.com - March 31st, 2017 [March 31st, 2017]
- Milton Boxer With Cerebral Palsy Remains Undefeated - CBS Boston / WBZ - March 31st, 2017 [March 31st, 2017]
- Chase High hosts Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day | News ... - The Daily Courier - April 1st, 2017 [April 1st, 2017]
- 'That Stroller Is Peyton's Life,' Special Wheelchair Stolen From Girl With Cerebral Palsy - CBS New York - April 1st, 2017 [April 1st, 2017]
- John Cena meets 12-year-old fan with cerebral palsy - My Fox Boston - April 1st, 2017 [April 1st, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy - Cerebral Palsy - April 1st, 2017 [April 1st, 2017]
- Blazing New Trails: Updates in the Care of Children with Cerebral Palsy - Wayne County Journal Banner - April 2nd, 2017 [April 2nd, 2017]
- Cerebal Palsy An Overview of Symptoms, Causes, and ... - April 2nd, 2017 [April 2nd, 2017]
- John Cena meets 12-year-old fan with cerebral palsy - WPXI Pittsburgh - April 3rd, 2017 [April 3rd, 2017]
- Tri-Cities 12-year-old with cerebral palsy meets his hero, John Cena - WJHL - April 3rd, 2017 [April 3rd, 2017]
- Cord blood stem cells offer promising treatments for Cerebral Palsy - April 4th, 2017 [April 4th, 2017]
- This 3-Year-Old With Cerebral Palsy Is Spreading Awareness In Style - Huffington Post - April 5th, 2017 [April 5th, 2017]
- Govt Urged to Make Special Provision for Children with Cerebral Palsy - THISDAY Newspapers - April 5th, 2017 [April 5th, 2017]
- Topsham student with cerebral palsy launches road race - The Forecaster - April 5th, 2017 [April 5th, 2017]
- Students design 'Chandler's Chariot' for boy with cerebral palsy - WBAL Baltimore - April 5th, 2017 [April 5th, 2017]
- WWE star John Cena surprises young fan with cerebral palsy in heartwarming video - Globalnews.ca - April 5th, 2017 [April 5th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy (Center for Cerebral Palsy) | Gillette ... - April 5th, 2017 [April 5th, 2017]
- 'Cerebral palsy will never stop me from being successful' - Evening Telegraph - April 7th, 2017 [April 7th, 2017]
- Otte student proposes cerebral palsy awareness event | Local News ... - Blair Enterprise Publishing - April 7th, 2017 [April 7th, 2017]
- Cobb trampoline park adds events for those with autism, cerebral ... - Atlanta Journal Constitution - April 7th, 2017 [April 7th, 2017]
- The Heart of a Champion: Riverside student battling cerebral palsy gets surprise of a lifetime - San Benito News - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Princeton Ethics Professor Defends Woman Convicted of Raping ... - Christian News Network - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Nine-year-old cerebral palsy patient is guest of honour at unveiling of Co-op revamp - Nottingham Post - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Perth woman with cerebral palsy faces losing driver's licence after 36 years - ABC Online - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Cerebral palsy may be linked to birth weight - Independent Online - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy's Kate Laver tennis invitational - The Desert Sun - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Gurgaon: Doctors come together to treat Cerebral Palsy in children ... - Hindustan Times - April 11th, 2017 [April 11th, 2017]
- Teen takes best friend with Cerebral Palsy to prom - Story | WNYW - Fox5NY - April 11th, 2017 [April 11th, 2017]
- No compensation for girl left with cerebral palsy in 'tragic' home birth ... - Echo - April 11th, 2017 [April 11th, 2017]
- No compensation for girl left with cerebral palsy in 'tragic' home birth as top judge rules midwives 'could not have ... - Echo - April 11th, 2017 [April 11th, 2017]
- Man with cerebral palsy is memorable in more ways than 1 ... - Washington Times - April 12th, 2017 [April 12th, 2017]
- White Sox announcer gives play-by-play on finding success with ... - CNN - April 15th, 2017 [April 15th, 2017]
- Grandmother takes on epic Everest trek for grandson with cerebral palsy - Taranaki Daily News - April 15th, 2017 [April 15th, 2017]
- Rare surgery helps kids with cerebral palsy walk - KHOU - April 15th, 2017 [April 15th, 2017]
- Princeton Ethics Professor Defends Woman Convicted of Raping Man With Cerebral Palsy - GOPUSA - April 16th, 2017 [April 16th, 2017]
- Parents promote partial OHIP funded life changing cerebral palsy U.S. surgery - insideTORONTO.com - April 16th, 2017 [April 16th, 2017]
- Cerebral palsy girl Molly Grace helped in Facebook appeal - BBC ... - BBC News - April 16th, 2017 [April 16th, 2017]
- Students create cerebral palsy toothbrush - Bangalore Mirror - April 18th, 2017 [April 18th, 2017]
- Dad's Facebook Appeal To Find Feeding Tube For Daughter With Cerebral Palsy Is Huge Success - Huffington Post UK - April 18th, 2017 [April 18th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy can't stop me from surfing - News24 - April 18th, 2017 [April 18th, 2017]
- Heartland man with cerebral palsy inspires others in his quest to walk - WOWT - April 19th, 2017 [April 19th, 2017]
- Derby-themed party races to help cure cerebral palsy - MDJOnline.com - April 19th, 2017 [April 19th, 2017]
- Five-year-old with cerebral palsy making strides thanks to surgery in Ohio - WKEF ABC 22 - April 20th, 2017 [April 20th, 2017]
- Greek Week Raises Over $50,000 for Cerebral Palsy Awareness - University of Miami - April 21st, 2017 [April 21st, 2017]
- 5-year-old girl with cerebral palsy takes her first steps thanks to miracle surgery - AOL - April 21st, 2017 [April 21st, 2017]
- Wellington Rotary Club to post Outrun Cerebral Palsy 5K - Palm Beach Post (blog) - April 21st, 2017 [April 21st, 2017]
- Surgical Procedure Can Reduce Pain, Improve Mobility For Children With Cerebral Palsy - CBS New York - April 21st, 2017 [April 21st, 2017]
- Amazing Women Series: Mother in 'constant awe' of triplets - Canadian Jewish News (blog) - April 24th, 2017 [April 24th, 2017]
- 1st annual Madoc walk for cerebral palsy - www.insidebelleville.com/ - April 24th, 2017 [April 24th, 2017]
- Willard senior with cerebral palsy to compete in national speech tournament - Springfield News-Leader - April 26th, 2017 [April 26th, 2017]
- Meet Dr Amitabh Mehrotra, who defeated cerebral palsy to start a school for children with disabilities in Lucknow - YourStory.com - April 26th, 2017 [April 26th, 2017]
- Watch Marijuana Help This Girl With Cerebral Palsy And Autism - The Fresh Toast - April 26th, 2017 [April 26th, 2017]
- Young N. Idaho inventors adapt car for child with cerebral palsy ... - KTVB - April 27th, 2017 [April 27th, 2017]
- Patrick Barden set to complete London marathon with cerebral palsy - Metro - April 27th, 2017 [April 27th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy sufferer, Patrick Barden, from Shorne, completes London Marathon - Kent Online - April 30th, 2017 [April 30th, 2017]