[Disabilities, access to medical care, and way of life of adults with cerebral palsy. APIB study: initial results].
UNLABELLED: Cerebral palsy is defined as a nonprogressive brain lesion that occurs during prenatal or perinatal development. The Breizh IMC health network objective is to improve the knowledge about the way of life and the health status of adults with cerebral palsy. OBJECTIVE: To describe disabilities, way of life and access to medical care for older teens and adults with cerebral palsy. METHOD: We conducted a descriptive study using health insurance data to contact patients. A questionnaire was addressed to people with cerebral palsy who were older than 16 years. Data were then compared to data of a general population sample. RESULTS: In total, 562 persons responded: 56% male and 44% female, mean age 36. Motor disability was more important with age (50% at age 20 and 70% after 60). A total of 66% of the sample? had cognitive impairment or mental retardation, 60% needed help when going outside, and 40% required assistance with eating, bathing and dressing. The level of education was variable. Health problems were more frequent in patients with cerebral palsy than in the general population and were progressive. Of the sample, 75% experienced pain and half felt depressed or lonely. Medication use was higher in the sample than in the general population. CONCLUSION: More study is needed to improve the knowledge of the health status of patients with cerebral palsy. This study highlights health problems that may be considered a basis for the development of care programs.