Caregiving burden and social quality of life among palestinian mothers of children with cerebral palsy: a cross-sectional study

Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood and imposes a substantial burden on mothers and families. This study assessed caregiving burden among mothers of children with cerebral palsy in the West Bank, Palestine, and examined associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at pediatric rehabilitation centers across the West Bank. Data were collected using a sociodemographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, the short version of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and hierarchical multivariable linear regression were performed (p < 0.05). A total of 262 mothers participated. Most reported a high caregiving burden (85.5%), with psychological burden having the highest median score. Overall burden was significantly associated with residence, monthly income, and the child’s functional status. Social quality of life had a mean score of 58.01 (SD = 20.50) and was significantly negatively correlated with overall burden and all burden domains. In hierarchical regression, social quality of life was the strongest predictor of overall burden, followed by monthly income and the child’s functional status. Mothers experienced high caregiving burden, highlighting the need for targeted support strategies to improve maternal well-being and care for children with cerebral palsy.