Vasanth Chellamuthu, S Sharanabasappa, Amisha Chowdhury, Anasua Paria, Teena Khuriwal, Patade Vidula Rajesh, Raj Nandani Sah, Khimchali Hasnu, Manisha Meena, Anjali Rao
The study highlights the significant economic burden experienced by caregivers of children with Cerebral Palsy, particularly in rural and low-income settings. The most common clinical type identified was spastic CP. The mean medical and non-medical expenditures were ₹8,339.4 and ₹6,776.4, respectively. Key caregiver and contextual factors were significantly associated with these costs. The findings underscore the need for subsidized rehabilitation services, caregiver education, and improved accessibility to healthcare in order to reduce financial strain and enhance the quality of disability care.
BACKGROUND: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in movement and posture resulting from early brain injury. In India, the estimated incidence is approximately 3 per 1,000 live births, accounting for 15-20% of childhood physical disabilities. The condition imposes substantial psychosocial and economic burdens on families, highlighting the need for effective support systems.
METHODOLOGY: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar. A total of 250 caregivers were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using structured tools assessing socio-demographic characteristics, medical expenditure, and non-medical expenditure.
RESULTS: The findings revealed a considerable financial burden among caregivers, with median medical and non-medical expenditures indicating substantial out-of-pocket costs. Individuals from lower socio-economic groups constituted the largest proportion of the sample (32%). Statistically significant associations were observed between age and non-medical expenditure (p = 0.01); caregiver education and medical (p = 0.01) as well as total expenditure (p = 0.02); occupation and total expenditure (p = 0.01); type of CP and medical expenditure (p = 0.04); and distance from healthcare facility and non-medical expenditure (p = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the significant economic burden experienced by caregivers of children with Cerebral Palsy, particularly in rural and low-income settings. The most common clinical type identified was spastic CP. The mean medical and non-medical expenditures were ₹8,339.4 and ₹6,776.4, respectively. Key caregiver and contextual factors were significantly associated with these costs. The findings underscore the need for subsidized rehabilitation services, caregiver education, and improved accessibility to healthcare in order to reduce financial strain and enhance the quality of disability care.