FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH GMFCS LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the leading cause of childhood physical disability, characterized by impaired gross motor function and comorbidities that affect functional abilities and quality of life. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is widely used to classify gross motor function in children with CP. This study aimed to identify factors associated with GMFCS levels among children with CP. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from 45 children with CP. The dependent variable, GMFCS level was categorized into Levels I–III and IV–V. Independent variables included age, sex, age at first diagnosis, and number of comorbidities. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses using Pearson’s chi-square test were performed, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Most participants were classified as GMFCS Levels IV–V (80.0%). No significant associations were found between GMFCS level and age (p = 0.176), sex (p = 0.135), age at first diagnosis (p = 0.816), or rehabilitation therapy participation (p = 0.449). However, the number of comorbidities was significantly associated with GMFCS level (p = 0.042). The proportion of children with GMFCS Levels IV–V increased from 50.0% among those without comorbidities to 74.1% with one to two and 100% with more than two comorbidities. Conclusion: The number of comorbidities was significantly associated with gross motor function severity in children with CP. Comprehensive comorbidity assessment should be incorporated into clinical evaluation and individualized rehabilitation planning to optimize functional outcomes and long-term care.