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ABSTRACT
Background/Purpose of the study: Cerebral palsy is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects a child's developing brain, this disorder can manifest in various ways. It involves a wide range of symptoms which includes cognitive, behavioural, sensory and perceptual abnormalities. Cerebral palsy results from injury to the part of the brain that controls movement and muscular functions. Physiotherapy as a medical profession is involved in curative and rehabilitative functions which improves impairment and facilitates a better outcome. When mothers are aware of the clinical features of the condition, it can prompt adequate treatment and prognosis. Research on importance of physiotherapy role in management of cerebral palsy can improve knowledge and ensure mothers are involved in management process. This study was done to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of the role of physiotherapy in the management of cerebral palsy among nursing mothers in Egor, Benin City. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done, and 362 nursing mothers were recruited for the study. A multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit community dwelling nursing mothers living in Egor local government area in Benin City. The assessment of participant knowledge of cerebral palsy and the role of physiotherapy in management of cerebral palsy was done using an adapted version of the knowledge of cerebral palay questionnaire (KCPQ) and a self-administered role of physiotherapy questionnaires. Descriptive statistics of percentages and tables were used to analyze the data and alpha set at 0.05. Results: Two hundred and forty-one (66.6%) participants had inadequate/poor knowledge of cerebral palsy and two hundred and thirty-three (64.4%) participants had adequate/good knowledge of role of physiotherapy in management of cerebral palsy. From this study, nursing mothers had poor knowledge of cerebral palsy but good knowledge of physiotherapy and its role in the management of cerebral palsy. Conclusion: There was adequate/good knowledge of the role that physiotherapy plays in the management of cerebral palsy among nursing mothers although they do not have a good knowledge of cerebral palsy. Keyword: Cerebral palsy, physiotherapy, nursing mothers.
