Background: The diagnosis of a child with a life-long disability, such as cerebral palsy (CP), can be catastrophic to parents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of Saudi caregivers' knowledge about cerebral palsy and the possible association to socioeconomic status or educational status of the parents.
Methodology: This cross-sectional survey included 30 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy who attended the neuropediatric clinic, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The knowledge of cerebral palsy questionnaire was administered to assess the caregivers' knowledge about cerebral palsy.
Results: This study explored inadequate Saudi caregivers' level of knowledge and awareness about CP. There was substantial lack of knowledge about the etiology and the prognosis of CP. The total knowledge score of the study participants was calculated, it ranged from 8.0-19.0 with a median score of 15.50. According to this score, 50% of the studied caregivers had good level of knowledge about CP. Moreover, there was no statistically significant association between level of the guardian's knowledge and their educational or financial level.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, the parental knowledge of CP is substantially lacking. There is an urgent need to conduct a prospective research project to better assess the level of awareness and develop actions that contribute to parents being better informed and more secure about their children's health care.
Key words: Cerebral palsy, knowledge, caregiver, child, Saudi Arabia
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