Influence of accessibility of services on Quality of Life of school children with Cerebral Palsy in Latvia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of accessibility of services and health related factors on Quality of Life (QoL) of school children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Latvia. 80 children 47 boys and 33 girls with CP and their parents from all regions of Latvia took part in the study. Mean age of participants was 11,7 (SD± 3,5) years. 50 children without diagnosed chronic diseases formed the control group. Validated evaluation tools were used in the study (KIDSCREEN-52, GMFCS-E&R). The results show lower QoL in children with CP in comparison with their healthy peers and European children. QoL is influenced by the level of gross motor functions, lack of coordination of services, lack of rehabilitation infrastructure and presence of environmental barriers in Latvia.