BetaEntity Annotation Prototype
← Back to funders

Annotated abstract

95 Community care groups and improved behavioral outcomes for caregivers and children with cerebral palsy in Kawempe division

bmjpo · 2026-07-14 · canonical JSON source

5 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

Document resource

Background/Introduction Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition that impairs movement and coordination. In Uganda, mothers of children with CP face complex challenges, including managing disabilities, accessing healthcare services, and coping with social stigma and isolation. In response, the Child and Family Foundation introduced a community-based intervention using the Family Care Group Model to promote behavioral change and improve outcomes for both children and caregivers in Kawempe Division, Kampala.Program Description The program established five Family Care Groups across the division, enrolling 80 children with CP. Common etiologies included hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (60%), low birth weight (13%), prematurity (10%), congenital anomalies (6%), malnutrition (6%), seizures (53%), and CNS infections (3%). Twenty caregivers were trained and mentored as lead mothers to facilitate peer support and learning within their communities. The program utilized surveys and FGDs with 30 participating mothers to assess changes in knowledge, behavior, and emotional well-being. Results showed a marked improvement in CP knowledge (50% pre-test vs. 97% post-test), coping skills (61% vs. 92%), and self-efficacy (44% vs. 89%). Mothers also reported reduced feelings of isolation and stress due to the peer support and solidarity fostered by the groups.Conclusions Community care groups are an effective, low-cost strategy for improving caregiver knowledge, emotional well-being, and parenting practices. Empowering mothers through peer-led support fosters confidence, social connection, and sustained behavioral change.