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Final Program


Final Congress Guide

Health Policy and Systems

700 Section - Cultural Context and Social Challenges Among Moroccan Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PT

    Corresponding Author/Autor a quien dirigir la corr(s)

  • EA

    Elhanafi Asma, MD

    professor
    Cadi Ayyad University, UCA, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy,Clinical and Epidemiological Research Lab for Osteoarticular Diseases , Sidi Abbad, B.P. 7010, Marrakesh, Morocco
    Marrakech, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Morocco

    • Co-Author/Coautor(s)

  • ME

    Meryem ELMAJIDI, MD

    Dr
    Cadi Ayyad University, UCA, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy,Clinical and Epidemiological Research Lab for Osteoarticular Diseases , Sidi Abbad, B.P. 7010, Marrakesh, Morocco
    Marrakech, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Morocco

    • Presenting Author/Autor expositor(s)

  • AY

    ABDELFETTAH YOUNESS, MD

    professor
    Cadi Ayyad University, UCA, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy,Clinical and Epidemiological Research Lab for Osteoarticular Diseases , Sidi Abbad, B.P. 7010, Marrakesh, Morocco
    Marrakech, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Morocco

Objectives :
The aim of this study is to explore the cultural context and the social challenges experienced by Moroccan mothers caring for children with cerebral palsy, with a focus on understanding how cultural norms, family dynamics, and societal expectations shape their daily caregiving experiences.


Design:

Study design: Cross-sectional, descriptive qualitative study conducted over 6 months.Population: 153 mothers who have a child with PC (cerebral palsy).Data collection tool: Structured questionnaire via Google Forms, covering demographics, health status, psychosocial impact, and coping mechanisms.Ethical considerations: Participation was voluntary, with informed consent and confidentiality ensured.


Results:

Mothers of children with cerebral palsy (PC) face significant challenges across multiple dimensions. The majority are aged between 30 and 50 years, with 68% belonging to low to moderate socioeconomic status. Most mothers are married (76%). Due to caregiving responsibilities, 61% are unemployed. Psychologically, these mothers experience high levels of anxiety (45%), sleep disturbances (27%), fear of having another child (22%), depressive symptoms (18%), and emotional distress related to witnessing their child's suffering (40%). Worries about the child’s long-term independence affect 43% of mothers. Physically, 30% suffer musculoskeletal pain such as back pain, arthritis, and joint disorders, while 10% have diabetes and 7% hypertension. Socioeconomic and logistical challenges include high care costs reported by 56%, limited access to healthcare cited by 45%, and additional medical conditions complicating care for 15% of children.


Conclusion: Mothers of children with cerebral palsy in Morocco face significant psychological, physical, and socioeconomic challenges, compounded by limited healthcare resources and specialized services in many regions. This highlights the urgent need for tailored support and improved access to care within the Moroccan healthcare system to enhance the well-being of both mothers and their children.