Abstract
INTRODUCTION: cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood. Caring for a child with functional limitations and long-term dependence poses significant challenges for many families. Despite this, the experiences and needs of mothers of children with CP remain understudied. This study aims to assess fatigue, caregiving burden, psychological distress, and sleep disorders (SDs) among a group of Tunisian mothers of children with CP. METHODS: this cross-sectional study explored the well-being of Tunisian mothers caring for children with CP. Participants were evaluated using the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS), Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: a total of 71 participants were recruited. Of all participants, 39.4% reported moderate to severe burden, and 53.5% reported severe fatigue. The prevalence of clinically significant depressive or anxious symptoms was found to be 63.4% and 53.5%, respectively. The prevalence of SDs was 74.6%. The most affected components of the PSQI were sleep latency, sleep quality, and sleep dysfunction. Sleep quality was significantly related to epilepsy in children (p=0.012), mothers' age (p=0.027), mothers' depression (p=0.008), or anxiety (p=0.001). No significant association was found between mothers' burden or fatigue and low sleep quality. CONCLUSION: our findings highlight the prevalence of fatigue, burden, serious psychological distress, and SDs among mothers of children with CP. Consequently, medical personnel and social workers should be more attentive to the needs of these mothers who often silently endure the emotional and physical strains of caregiving.