Qualidade de vida em adultos com paralisia cerebral

Abstract

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a motor condition that affects significantly functional skills, it may limit activity and participation and, consequently quality of life (QoL) of children and adults. The (QoL) refers to the individual perception of well-being in various fields of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of adult (QoL) (and young people) with CP (including the relationship with motor impairment, gender, occupation, among other variables). In this not experimental investigation, quantitative and transversal nature, following a descriptive correlational way, we use a non-probabilistic convenience sample consisting of 53 adults with CP (32 male, 16-45 years). WHOQOL-Bref was used to assess QoL. All participants were classified in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFSC). The data provide evidence that are the respondents with higher qualifications, married or in union, living with family, working for others or study, which show higher values on their QoL, with emphasis on the field of social relationships. Considering the GMFCS classification, respondents who have lower values on their QoL are the Group IV. Thus, we believe that the results obtained allowed to know the specific areas where there is need to act in time in order to enhance the QoL of this specific population. It is emphasized the importance of developing social skills, coping strategies, as well as a decisive intervention in the community each one of us belong to.

Date of Award	17 Jun 2016
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Célia Ribeiro (Supervisor) & Catarina Martins (Supervisor)