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. 2022 Jun;22(2):573-580.
doi: 10.4314/ahs.v22i2.66.

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

Chigozie Uchenwoke Ikenna  1 , Chidimma Ofodum Mirian  1 , Chinonso Nwachukwu Paul  1 , Christiana Osuoha Onyekachi  1 , Kenechukwu Okonkwo Kingsley  1 , Lynda Anih Chidera  1
Affiliations

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

Chigozie Uchenwoke Ikenna et al. Afr Health Sci. 2022 Jun.

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.

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

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  • Editorial.
    Tumwine JK. Tumwine JK. Afr Health Sci. 2022 Jun;22(2):i-vi. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v22i2.1. Afr Health Sci. 2022. PMID: 36407340 Free PMC article. No abstract available.

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