{
  "abstract": "Objectives Cerebral palsy (CP) is a leading cause of childhood disability in low-income settings, yet access to rehabilitation services remains limited. This study aimed to assess community knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to CP rehabilitation in Kawempe Division, Uganda.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-methods study involving 306 community members. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires assessing CP-related knowledge, attitudes, and service access barriers. Additionally, we held eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with caregivers and community members, and four key informant interviews (KIIs) with local health workers and leaders.Results Only 56.9% of respondents had heard of CP, and just 43.97% were aware of rehabilitation services. Key barriers included financial constraints (73.36%), lack of awareness (62.17%), and transportation difficulties (40.79%). Stigma was prevalent; 43.23% reported that individuals with CP face discrimination. One caregiver shared, ‘People avoid my child, saying he’s cursed.’ Another said, ‘The health workers told me there’s nothing they can do—just go home.’ Despite these challenges, 97.05% believed CP rehabilitation is essential for improving children’s lives.Conclusions There is an urgent need to improve awareness and accessibility of CP rehabilitation services in marginalized urban settings. Addressing stigma and misconceptions, training health workers, and integrating CP support into existing community health systems could enhance service uptake and quality of life for affected children and families.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Child and Family Foundation, Kampala, Uganda",
        "Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Ruth Nakalembe"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Child and Family Foundation, Kampala, Uganda",
        "Child Health and Development Center School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Harriet Babikako"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Child and Family Foundation, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Edirisa Kibuuka"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Child and Family Foundation, Kampala, Uganda",
        "Department of Paediatrics and Child Health School of Medicine College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda",
        "Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Ezekiel Mupere"
    }
  ],
  "title": "22 Community knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to cerebral palsy rehabilitation services in Kawempe division, Uganda",
  "uid": "81aaf096-bc62-57e3-80e2-ed96d5914f19"
}