Introduction: Currently, a primary focus of assessment and interventions in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is to consider quality of life (QoL). Therefore, it is essential to use instruments that can measure QoL. The Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life questionnaire (CPQoL) is a survey developed to specifically evaluate QoL in patients with CP.

Aim: To apply the CPQoL for the first time in Uruguay in children with CP and to analyze potential variables associated with it.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed based on the review of medical records and by administering the CPQoL to 60 patients with CP or their primary caregivers. No economic support was received.

Results: The overall mean CPQoL score was 83.5 ± 10.8. Significantly lower QoL scores were observed in groups with more severe functional limitations in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) or the Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF) scale, and in patients with dyskinetic CP when compared with spastic CP (p<0.05). The social well-being and adaptation domains, as well as feelings about functioning in the parent report, and feelings about functioning in the self-report showed statistically significant differences related to the GMFCS level. Considering associated disorders or impairments, swallowing difficulty was the only issue that reached statistical significance (p<0.05). Internal validity analysis yielded a Cronbach's alpha > 0.7.

Conclusions: CPQoL is a reasonably suitable instrument for assessing QoL in CP patients. Its application is recommended as part of the evaluation and as part of measuring the benefits of interventions.

Federico Baltar
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República
Uruguay

Florencia Bocking
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República
Uruguay

Victoria Bocking
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República
Uruguay

Cecilia Cuadra
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República
Uruguay

María Eugenia Fernández
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República
Uruguay

Juan Pedro Frigerio
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República
Uruguay

María Paz López
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República
Uruguay

Santiago Mansilla
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República
Uruguay

Alfredo Cerisola
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República
Uruguay