The Experiences of Families Caring for Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Oman during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

Abstract

During COVID-19 pandemic, children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families had experienced various physical, psychological, social, and financial effects. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of families caring for children with cerebral palsy in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 A qualitative research design was used to conduct this study. Eighteen families caring for children with CP including 18 mothers and two fathers participated and were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Eighteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted; 16 interviews involved mothers individually and two were joint interview involving mothers and fathers. Interviews were collected in Arabic using topic guide, transcribed verbatim, translated into English and analyzed using thematic content analysis.

The study revealed that families’ experiences were centered around protecting their children with CP from getting COVID-19 infection. Three main themes emerged from families’ accounts: perceived effects of COVID-19 on children with CP, psychosocial effects on families, and financial effects on families. Parents reported that lockdown period had led to physical and behavioral effects on their children with CP. The interruption of rehabilitation and healthcare services resulted in increased muscle spasticity and social distancing reduced their social interaction. Parents expressed concerns about their children contracting COVID-19, fearing it would worsen their children’s health. As a result, they socially isolated themselves. Parents also took on additional caregiving tasks during this period, such as protecting their children from the infection and providing medical and rehabilitation services. Some parents reported a positive financial impact, while others were negatively affected.

Parents' accounts indicate that protecting children with CP from COVID-19 infection became a central concern that shaped family routines, social participation, caregiving, and healthcare utilization. Maintaining continuity of rehabilitation and healthcare, strengthening caregiver support, and providing appropriately integrated telehealth and home-based rehabilitation may assist families in managing similar disruptions during future public health emergencies.