Bunmi Bamgbade, Adeyimika Titilayo Desmennu, Oyedunni Sola Arulogun
Cerebral Palsy (CP) a paediatric neurological disorder constitute a major reason for specialist care among children but the knowledge of the condition has not been adequately explored among the mothers. This study used a quantitative approach to assess knowledge of cerebral palsy and its predisposing factors among women of childbearing age in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Knowledge was assessed using a 12 point scale with scores of ≤ 3, >3 - ≤ 8 and >8 - ≤ 12 categorised as poor, fair and good respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi square test at p< 0.05. Mean age was 31.0±7.7years and 38.5% had primary education. A larger percentage (95.2%) had heard about cerebral palsy and 66.5% were not aware of the risk factors predisposing children to the development of cerebral palsy. Mean knowledge score on CP was 9.1±2.1. A significant association was observed between general knowledge of CP and knowledge of its prevention. Knowledge of prevention of cerebral palsy among women of childbearing age studied appeared good but inadequate. There is need for comprehensive health promotion and education activities among this group of women to improve knowle dge of predisposing factors and its prevention.
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