Experiences and challenges of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Magba subdivision, Cameroon: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common childhood neurodisability globally and disproportionately affects children in low- and middle-income countries. In Cameroon, limited epidemiological data, weak rehabilitation infrastructure, and entrenched sociocultural beliefs shape how CP is understood and managed. Children with CP often require lifelong support, placing substantial physical, emotional, and economic demands on family-caregivers, most commonly mothers. Understanding caregivers' lived experiences within specific cultural and resource-limited contexts is critical for informing inclusive and effective interventions. This study explored the lived experiences and challenges of family-caregivers of children with CP in Magba Subdivision, West Region of Cameroon. METHOD: This study employed a qualitative exploratory design using in-depth interviews and inductive content analysis. Participants were family caregivers of children with CP, purposively recruited through community-based rehabilitation (CBR) services. In-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted in English or local languages, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis following Elo and Kyngäs' approach. Findings were interpreted using Raina et al.'s multidimensional caregiving model. RESULTS: All participants, aged 15-49 years, were family caregivers of children with CP, aged 4-15 years. Six interrelated themes emerged: (1) sociocultural challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and harmful spiritual beliefs framing CP as witchcraft, ancestral punishment, 'snake', or 'marine spirit'; (2) economic constraints arising from inability to engage in paid work and the absence of social protections; (3) physical caregiving burden characterised by exhaustion, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal strain; (4) inadequate specialized services and health information; (5) limited social/family support; and (6) limited access rehabilitation services. These challenges intensified caregiver isolation and emotional distress. CONCLUSION: Caregiving for children with CP in Magba is shaped by intersecting sociocultural, economic, and systemic factors that extend beyond individual coping capacity. Strengthening culturally sensitive community-based rehabilitation, improving access to early diagnosis and rehabilitation, and implementing disability- and gender-responsive social protection policies are essential to reduce caregiver burden and promote inclusive child and family wellbeing in Cameroon.