Calidad de vida e independencia funcional en una adolescente con parálisis cerebral infantil

Abstract

Cerebral Palsy CP is a condition involving a series of prolonged and non-progressive pathologies that occur during the development of the infant’s central nervous system, impacting movement, posture, and neurological development. This research focuses on a 17-year-old teenager identified with Cerebral Palsy from the city of Machala. Given the topic’s relevance, the research question posed is. What is the relationship between quality of life and independence in a teenager with Cerebral Palsy The general objective is to analyze the relationship between quality of life and functional independence in such a teenager.The research design is qualitative and descriptive, grounded in a humanistic approach and Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. Data collection involved interviews with parents, the Adolescent Quality of Life Questionnaire CP QOL-Teen, and the Barthel Index to assess functional independence. Results indicated difficulties in communication and relating to others. Regarding functional independence, there were mobility issues, challenges in dressing and using the bathroom for both defecation and urination, despite some independence in certain activities, requiring support from the mother.