Prevalence of Mental Health Problems among Cerebral Palsy Children from Age 6-12 Years in Gaza Strip

Date
2010-07-07
Authors
Salah Ahmad Saleh
صلاح أحمد صالح
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Al-Quds University
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of mental health problems among cerebral palsy children aged 6-12 years old. A cross sectional method was chosen registered children aged 6-12 years-old at the physiotherapy clinics in the Gaza Strip. A systematic random sample of 219 children suffering from cerebral palsy were selected and their parents were interviewed using the Achenbach child behavior checklist (CBCL), also teacher report form (TRF) was used for physiotherapist. The results indicated that, the prevalence of mental health problems rated by parents was (37%). While, the prevalence of mental health problems rated by therapist was (44.7%). Boys had higher mean than girls regarding aggressive behavior rated by parents, whereas, interaction was observed between boys and girls regarding total problems, withdrawn problems, attention problems and aggressive behavior by therapist. Boys had more mental health problems as rated by both parents and therapist checklists. A correlation was observed between boys and girls regarding aggressive behavior rated by parents. Whereas, a correlation was observed between boys and girls regarding total problems, withdrawn problems, attention problems and aggressive behavior by therapist. Also , the results revealed a statistical significant differences between children mental health problems rated by parents. namely anxious depressed, attention problems, delinquent problems and aggressive behavior and gender in favor to boys. Additionally, total problems, withdrawn problems, delinquent problems, aggressive behavior and externalizing problems rated by therapist were statistically significant with age. Furthermore, the results indicated a significant statistical differences between place of residency and total problems, internalizing problems and externalizing problems rated by therapist, that’s in favor to the children who reside in village. While, a significant statistical differences was observed between place of residency and total problems and internalizing problems rated by parents, that’s in favor to the children who reside in village. However, interaction was observed between household monthly income and total problems and internalizing problems rated by therapist, in favor monthly income less than 300$ per month. Total problems, internalizing and externalizing problems were significantly associated with types of cerebral palsy when rated by therapist. Whereas, internalizing and externalizing problems were significantly associated with types of cerebral palsy when rated by parents. Despite certain limitations, although few sociodemographic differences in CBCL and TRF were found, a longitudinal prospective studies on child behavior is recommended.
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