Economic burden of children with cerebral palsy in Machakos Level Five Hospital

Abstract

Cerebral Palsy is a condition primarily impacting posture, muscle tone, and movement. Tailored rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy necessitates access to proficient occupational therapists, breaks from school, and for parents, time away from work to accompany their child to a rehabilitation facility, often incurring financial costs. Machakos Level 5 Hospital receives several patients, including those diagnosed with cerebral palsy from other counties such as Kitui and Kajiado, meaning its capacity is stretched. Therefore, investigating the economic burden of cerebral palsy on the hospital would culminate in an in-depth comprehension of the progress made by the hospital's management. This study examined the economic burden of children with cerebral palsy at Machakos Level 5 Hospital. Its objectives included assessing the prevalence of cerebral palsy in Machakos County, evaluate the economic burden associated with children living with cerebral palsy, determine Machakos Hospital’s capacity to manage cerebral palsy, and identify the most effective strategies for Machakos Hospital in managing the economic burden linked to cerebral palsy. This study is anchored in cost-of-illness theory, health production function, and rational choice theory. The study employed an explanatory research design while evaluating various aspects of the study. The study's target population included parents/caregivers and healthcare personnel specializing in treating cerebral palsy at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital, such as nurses, orthopedic surgeons, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other therapists. The convenience sampling method was used in the study. Questionnaires were distributed to caregivers and nurses to identify the economic burden of palsy. Semi-structured interviews were utilized for healthcare specialists and administrators. Data and information obtained from the interviews and questionnaires distributed to the participants were subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis with Statistical Package for Social Sciences and NVIVO. Results were presented using tables and narration. From regression findings, the prevalence of cerebral palsy positively but insignificantly influences the economic burden linked with cerebral palsy. Results also reveal that costs of care positively and significantly influence economic burden linked with cerebral palsy. Further, the findings indicate that managing cerebral palsy negatively and significantly influences the economic burden linked with cerebral palsy. The study concluded that the prevalence and cost of cerebral palsy contribute significantly to the increase in economic burden linked with cerebral palsy. The study further concluded that managing cerebral palsy contributes significantly to a reduction in economic burden linked with cerebral palsy. The hospital management should develop a comprehensive rehabilitation program for children with cerebral palsy. The hospital management should also strengthen collaborations with other healthcare providers and organizations to improve the quality of care for children with cerebral palsy. Policy makers in the health sector should develop policies aimed at reducing cerebral palsy’s economic burden. The Machakos County Assembly should review fiscal policies and increase budgetary allocations for treating developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy.