To Study the Association of Socioeconomic Status with Antenatal, Perinatal, and Postnatal Risk Factors among Children with Cerebral Palsy in Kamrup Metro

Abstract

Cerebral palsy is an Umbrella term covering a group of non-progressive but often changing motor impairment syndromes secondary to lesions or anomalies of brain arising in the early stages of development. The occurrence ratio is 1.5-3/1000 live births. The aetiology of CP is multifactorial and not very well-known. Sociodemographic profile like age, gender, race, education, residential location, income level, marital status, occupation, social class, and social deprivation can affect maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. This study assessed the socio-demographic profile in cerebral palsy children. A paediatric assessment form which sought information on socio-demographics profile was used to obtain data from the respondents who were taken from private and government rehabilitation centres. Individuals and family’s socioeconomic status (SES), which determines their position in the social order, has a significant impact on their health. Income, education, occupation, and the degree of access to vital community resources are all combined to measure this complicated metric. The modified Kuppuswamy scale is commonly used to measure SES in urban and rural areas. A cross-sectional study was done to evaluate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and the risk factors of cerebral palsy (CP) among 40 participants who are diagnosed with CP. Results showed 60% of the children with cerebral palsy belonged to the lower socioeconomic group and low birth weight showed a significant association with SES (p = 0.025). Other antenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors were not significantly associated with SES. The findings emphasize the importance of strengthening antenatal care, maternal nutrition, and early identification of high-risk pregnancies, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged families.