To Determine the Needs of Mothering Handling Training for Family Caregivers and Children with Cerebral Palsy at Home based on Gross Motor Function Levels in the City of Arak

To Determine the Needs of Mothering Handling Training for Family Caregivers and Children with Cerebral Palsy at Home based on Gross Motor Function Levels in the City of Arak Abstract: Background: Understanding the real needs of children with cerebral palsy and their families helps the therapists to provide adequate health care service for them. This study aimed to determine the needs of mothering handling training for family caregiving of children and youth with CP at home based on the level of gross motor function. Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive, analytical and cross sectional study that was performed on 186 children 4-12 year olds with CP from the rehabilitation clinics in the city of Arak. They were selected by simple and purposeful sampling. Clinical tests were Gross Motor Measure Function Classification System Expanded & Revised (GMFCS E&R) to assess the severity of gross motor function lesions and canadian Occupational performance measure (COPM) to determine the needs. Data were analyzed by descriptive tests such as: statistical test and two-way ANOVA. Results: The most important need of mothering handling training was self care training specially toileting, feeding, eating and functional mobility related to children with CP in the level of V of GMFCS E&R (transported in a manual wheelchair). There were no significant differences in needs of mothering handling training in areas of sex and severity of gross motor function lesions (p>0.05). Conclusion: It seems that therapists should combine maternal handling trainings with other interventions in therapy programs, especially in the area of self- care. Keywords: Child with cerebral palsy, Gross motor function classification system, Mothering handling