Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the pelvic floor symptoms of mothers with children with cerebral palsy (CP) and children’s demographic & clinical characteristics.
Material and Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Biruni University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, between June-September 2022, with 23 mothers ages 18-45 who have children with CP ages 2-18. Children’s demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded in the form. The mothers’ pelvic floor symptoms were assessed using Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7). PFDI-20 consists of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6), Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8), and Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) sub-dimensions. PFIQ-7 consists of Urinary Impact Questionnaire-7 (UIQ-7), Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire-7 (CRAIQ-7), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire-7 (POPIQ-7) sub-dimensions. The relationship between pelvic floor symptoms and children's characteristics was determined using Spearman correlation analysis.
Results: A positive correlation was found between the child’s age and PFDI-20 total (r=0.419,p=0.047), UDI-6 (r=0.415,p=0.049), PFIQ-7 total (r=0.470,p=0.024), and CRAIQ-7 scores (r=0.416,p=0.049). Also, there was a positive correlation between the child’s birth weight and POPDI-6 (r=0.419,p=0.046), PFIQ-7 total (r=0.482,p=0.020) and, UIQ-7 scores (r=0.479,p=0.021), and between the duration of carrying the child and UIQ-7 score (r=0.427,p=0.042).
Discussion: This study indicated that as the child's age and the duration of carrying the child increase, the severity of urinary symptoms particularly increases, and the quality of life worsens. Additionally, the high child's birth weight adversely affects the severity of pelvic organ prolapse symptoms and the quality of life associated with other symptoms. We recommend routine assessment and treatment for pelvic floor symptoms of mothers with children with CP.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Cerebral palsy, mothers, pelvic floor, quality of life.
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