Published in PLOS One on 2026-04-13, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Melkitu Melak, Solomon Mekonnen, Afolasade Fakolade, Beata Batorowicz, Michal Soffer, Johanna Pruller, Helen Howard, Taiwo Opeyemi Aremu
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0346049
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Due to the complex and long-term care needs of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), caregivers often face an overwhelming caregiving burden, and they experience physical and psychological strain. Few studies in Sub-Saharan Africa have indicated that caregivers face financial difficulties and limited access to formal support services. However, evidence is scarce in Ethiopia.
This study aimed to explore the caregiving experiences and support needs of family caregivers of children with CP in Ethiopia.
An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used in this study. A purposeful sampling method was employed to identify and select 13 family caregivers of children with CP. Face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth individual interview was used to collect data. The interview was conducted in the local language, Amharic. The audio data were transcribed verbatim manually and imported to NVivo version 14 software for analysis. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.
Four themes were identified: the emotional journey of caregivers, daily caregiving demands, impact of caregiving, and support systems and support needs. Caregiving for children with CP negatively affected the emotional, physical and social well-being of caregivers. Caregivers indicated a need for financial support, psychological support, adequate healthcare service, access to assistive devices, and education for their children with CP.
The findings emphasize the urgent need for interventions that address the financial vulnerabilities of caregivers, provide targeted psychosocial support, and enhance access to healthcare, assistive devices and education for children with CP.
Introduction
Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common developmental disabilities, having been recognized as a distinct clinical condition since the mid-19th century [1]. According to Rosenbaum et al. (2007), CP is characterized by permanent movement and posture disorders resulting from non-progressive disturbances in the developing brain, leading to activity limitations and participation restrictions [2].
The global incidence of CP is approximately 1 in 500 births, with an estimated 18 million individuals affected worldwide [3]. In High-Income Countries (HICs), the prevalence rate of CP is about 1.6 per 1,000 live births, while in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), the rate is between 3 and 3.4 per 1,000 live births [4,5]. A study of the Global LMICs CP register indicated that 79.2% of children with CP had spastic CP, with 73.3% classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III-V, which indicates moderate to severe CP [6]. In Ethiopia, hospital-based data from Addis Ababa indicate that 60.4% of children with CP have spastic quadriplegia, often accompanied by speech difficulties (95.4%), cognitive impairments (87.4%), epilepsy (60.9%), and sensory impairments [7]. However, national-level data on CP prevalence in Ethiopia remain unavailable due to the absence of a CP registry or surveillance system, although it is known that 17.6% of the country’s population lives with a disability [8].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider financing & policy desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Melkitu Melak, Solomon Mekonnen, Afolasade Fakolade, Beata Batorowicz, Michal Soffer, Johanna Pruller, Helen Howard, Taiwo Opeyemi Aremu. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Facilitators and barriers to the implementation of a caregiver-led training programme for caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in rural Malawi
- Evidence brief: Lived experience of depression in women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Gondar City health facilities, Northwest, Ethiopia: A phenomenological study
- Evidence brief: Effect of psychoeducation in reducing caregiver burden among family caregivers of people with mental disorders in Western Ethiopia, 2021–2022: A pre-test post-test study
