A 5-Year Retrospective Study on the Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy in the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital

Afolabi AD, Okunade VA, Afolabi TO, Odewumi KA, Obina UE, Fadehin T, Iwamoyo OD, Ayanniyi O, Stephen AA, Akhaba OE, Adamolekun OE, Chimebere EF and Akinsiku EB

Published on: 2024-12-15

Abstract

This study assessed the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) Ondo State. The study aimed to understand the prevalence and causative factors of CP to improve preventive and management strategies. Data from the case files of 120 CP patients were reviewed. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling technique. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Health Research Committee of the University of Medical Sciences Ondo. The data included gender, age, birth order, delivery history, and probable cause of CP. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis. The results showed that CP was more prevalent among males (52%), first-born children (42%), and patients aged one year (20.8%). Asphyxia was the leading cause (59%). There was no significant association of prevalence of CP according to yearly distribution with causes (χ² = 13.941, p = 0.530) and gender (χ² = 6.852, p = 0.232). The outcome of this study revealed that cerebral palsy occurred more in males compare to female counterpart with asphyxia as the highest known cause. There was no significant association of the prevalence of CP according to yearly distribution with cause and gender.