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Towards developing a comprehensive treatment schedule for patients with cerebral palsy: factors influencing patient’s adherence to physiotherapy treatment


Chigozie Uchenwoke Ikenna
Chidimma Ofodum Mirian
Chinonso Nwachukwu Paul
Christiana Osuoha Onyekachi
Kenechukwu Okonkwo Kingsley
Lynda Anih Chidera

Abstract

Purpose: This study is aimed to identify factors influencing patient’s adherence to treatment in a bid to characterize the extent to which these factors are considered while developing a treatment schedule for patients with cerebral palsy in Nigeria


Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of physiotherapists involved in the care of patients with cerebral palsy. Factors influencing treatment adherence were assessed using a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Participants were sampled from physiotherapists working at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State, Nigeria. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentage and frequencies.


Results: A total of fifty three (31 males and 22 females) physiotherapists completed and returned the questionnaire. Participants (84.9%) agreed that patients occasionally forget to meet up with their appointment days; with majority of them agreeing that distance to the clinic and economic factor (cost of treatment and transportation) influence patient’s adherence to treatment. Presence/absence of a caregiver and relationship between patients and their physiotherapist are also important factors influencing patient’s treatment schedules.


Conclusion: Distance to the clinic when compared to other (economic, patient-therapist relationship) factors is the major barrier to patient’s adherence to treatment and therefore should be considered while developing treatment schedules for patients with cerebral palsy.


Keyword: Cerebral palsy; Treatment schedule; Adherence; Physiotherapy; Nigeria.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905