THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ABILITY TO SUSTAIN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL STATUS OF CAREGIVERS

Purpose: This study aimed to present the relationship between the ability to maintain physical activity in preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP) and quality of life, and the psychosocial status of caregivers. Methods: Fifty-five children with CP and their caregivers were included in the study. The ability to maintain physical activity and quality of life were determined by the Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), respectively. The psychosocial status of caregivers was assessed by Impact on Family Scale (IFS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: The mean age of children (28F, 27M) and their caregivers (45F, 10M) was 46.96±14.66 months and 33.81±7.65 years, respectively. Significant correlations were found between EASE and PODCI sub-parameters (p0.05). Statistically significant correlations were detected between PODCI-happiness and IFS (p=0.042, r=-0.293) and PODCI-transfer/mobility and BDI (p=0.044, r=-0.273). Conclusion: This study suggests that the ability of preschool children with CP to maintain physical activity is closely related to their quality of life and the psychological well-being of caregivers is affected from the severity of impact of the disease on family members. The quality of life of preschool children with CP can be improved by holistic approaches aiming to improve the endurance for physical activity and psychological well-being of their caregivers.