Early Access and Adherence to Physiotherapy in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Hospital-Based Study in Cameroon.

PURPOSE: To examine factors related to early access and adherence to physiotherapy services among children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Cameroon.

METHODS

A cross-sectional mixed retrospective and prospective study was conducted in Douala, Cameroon. Children aged 3 to 60 months diagnosed with CP from a tertiary referral center were included. Data were collected through structured caregiver interviews and medical record reviews. Early access was defined as initiating physiotherapy before 5 months of age, and good adherence was defined as completing ≥50% of prescribed sessions.

RESULTS

Out of 94 children, 36 (38.3%) accessed physiotherapy early, and 36 (38.3%) showed good adherence. Factors significantly linked to early access included CP subtype, neonatal jaundice, and having more than 7 risk factors. Poor adherence was significantly associated with parental discouragement due to lack of improvement and canceled appointments due to the physiotherapist's unavailability.

CONCLUSIONS

Early physiotherapy access and adherence remain inadequate in this Cameroonian setting, with clinical severity prompting earlier referrals.