Coparental relationship and self-efficacy of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Low parental coparenting and self-efficacy negatively impact children's development. Our study sought to describe and analyze the parental coparenting and self-efficacy of 84 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Brazil. We used a Sociodemographic Inventory (SDI), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Self-efficacy Scale and Coparenting Questionnaire (CQ). Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and Correspondence Analysis. ISD results showed the mothers as the main caregivers of children with CP, being mostly girls at level V in the GMFCS scale. Low levels of coparenting and self-efficacy were observed in young caregivers, caring for girls older than six years old. Self-efficacy was higher regarding basic and daily care such as feeding and performing personal hygiene, and lower regarding seizures and subjective aspects. No significant correlations were found between coparenting and self-efficacy. We concluded that interventions should be planned to increase parental coparenting and parental self-efficacy.