MPH / Department of Public Health / Worldwide there are millions of children and adolescents with adisability. The United Nations Children’s Fund estimates the worldwide prevalence to be 150 million children under 18 years older, the World Health Organization also estimates that there are 93 million children with impairment. This study focused at describing the impact of rehabilitation programme for the young adult living with cerebral palsy admitted in a care centre Mopani District, South Africa. The study utilized a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey method. Data was collected using an observational check list. The target population is young adults’ aged 18- 35 yearswith cerebral palsy in a Care Centre. Sampling was not necessary in this study since the targeted population was small in number. Confidentiality of respondents’ information was maintained where study subjects wereidentifiedusing codes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the results of the analysis are presented in the form of tables and charts to enhance clarity. The results are presented according to the objectives. The conclusion and recommendationswere made based on the findings. The study results show that there were more females than males (ratio 3:1) and the range of age distribution was 20 to 37 years. The study also finds out that cerebral palsy condition was accompanied by other complications such as blindness, mental retardation, epilepsy and hydrocephalus. The study indicated that rehabilitation can only have minimal effects but it can improve the quality of life of the patient. With regard to communication outcome of the rehabilitation programme it indicates progress following rehabilitation between 57% and 80% could use expressive language and follow basic instructions. The study also observed that patients made a steady improvement right through from those who spent 4 to 8 years to those who had been there for long, 15 years and above. Since cerebral palsy can affect motor development as well as social development, the rehabilitation seems beneficial to focus on intervention programme on the cognitive stimulation of children and young adults with cerebral palsy. / NRF

MPH / Department of Public Health / Cerebral palsy (CP) is the common cause of physical disability in children. The nature and severity of impairments vary, but the demands placed upon mothers are significant. It is one of the prolonged conditions which have become a serious health problem worldwide. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges of mothers caring for cerebral palsy children at Thulamela Municipality, in the Vhembe District, South Africa. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1). To explore the challenges by mothers of cerebral palsy children in relation to physical, psychological and social care, (2) To explore their challenges in relation to available resources for proper referral of mothers caring for cerebral palsy children. The study used a qualitative approach using explorative and descriptive design in exploring the challenges of mothers caring for children with cerebral palsy. The study population comprised mothers of children with Cerebral Palsy living in the Vhembe District who attends the rehabilitation therapy services at Tshilidzini Hospital. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was used to select the mothers. Five focus groups, each consisting of eight mothers were composed. Semi-structured group guide consisting of open-ended questions were used. Data was transcribed, verbatim and coded into themes and subthemes using context thematic analysis method. Themes that emerged include: a theoretical framework for the study, effects of caring on the family’s socio-economic life, challenges experienced by mothers caring for cerebral palsy children, challenges in relation to education and training and challenges experienced by mothers caring for cerebral palsy. The findings of the study might benefit the society about the challenges experienced by mothers when caring for their disabled children. The study might help government to develop and implement policies which will empower parents and the community as a whole / NRF