Quality of Life and Motor Function in Children with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus: Impact on Family Functioning in Indian Rural Population

Background & Purpose: Spina Bifida means “open spine”, and refers to a common congenital birth defects involving a failure of the neural tube to close or to remain closed during early embryogenesis. A significant complication for infants born with myelomeningocele is the onset of hydrocephalus. In rural Indian populations, where socioeconomic constraints and healthcare accessibility are significant challenges, the correlation between motor function and QoL becomes a critical area of investigation. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore quality of life and motor function in children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus… its impact on family functioning in Indian rural population. Methodology : 20 Subjects with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, age 6 –10 years, both male and female with mean age of 47.30 months were assessed for their demographic profile according to selection criteria. They were assessed for quality of Life by using PedsQL Infant scoring Scale, Family functioning by using PEDSQLFIS, Motor function by using Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), socioeconomic status using Modified Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Scale. The data was collected and computed in a systematic way and then analysed by using SPSS 20. Results : Correlational analysis was done. Statistically significant correlation was found in duration of operation and GMFM, PedsQL Infant scoring Scale and GMFM. Conclusion : This study shows that children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in rural India benefit from better quality of life when they have improved motor skills. However, the impact of family dynamics, socioeconomic status, and the length of surgery on their quality of life was less clear. Overall, while good motor function is strongly linked to a better quality of life, other factors also play a role.