Abstract:
Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are significantly more prone to sleep
disturbances due to associated neurological, behavioral, and environmental challenges.
These disorders not only impact their physical and cognitive development but also place
a substantial burden on caregivers, particularly mothers, who are often the primary
observers and caretakers. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the characteristics
and associated factors of sleep disorders among children with cerebral palsy, as reported
by their mothers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Centre
for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Savar, Dhaka, involving 104 mothers of
children diagnosed with CP. Data were collected using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for
Children (SDSC) and a structured sociodemographic and questionnaire. Convenience
sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive
and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used to identify associations
between variables. Results: Among the children, 81% were aged 2–5 years and 57%
were boy. Spastic quadriplegia was the most common CP type (39%), and 54% of
children were classified as GMFCS level III. Notably, 37% of children exhibited signs
of sleep disturbances, with insomnia and sleep-wake transition disorders being most
prevalent. Significant associations were found between sleep disorders and factors such
as epilepsy, use of anti-epileptic drugs, environmental conditions, hyperactivity before
sleep, and fear of darkness or being alone. Discussion: The findings underscore a high
prevalence of sleep disorders among children with CP, which are closely associated
with clinical and environmental factors. Mothers’ perspectives provided crucial insights
into the daily challenges and stressors faced in managing these conditions. Addressing
these sleep issues through routine clinical assessment and tailored non-pharmacological
interventions is essential for improving outcomes for both children and their caregivers.
Keywords: Cerebral palsy, sleep disorders, Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children
(SDSC), epilepsy, GMFCS.
Description:
This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
