Regional Disparities in Psychological Challenges Among Parents of Children With Cerebral Palsy in Pakistan: A Comparative Qualitative Study

Background This comparative qualitative case study examined psychological challenges associated with parents of children who have cerebral palsy (CP) in Pakistan's provinces and sought to identify provincial differences driven by socioeconomic, cultural and healthcare conditions. Method A comparative qualitative case study approach was used to collect data through semi‐structured interviews with a total of 40 parents, 10 from each province: Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). To uncover shared patterns and provincial contrasts, the collected data, through face‐to‐face interviews, was thematically analysed. Results Six key themes emerged including psychological impact on parents, daily caregiving challenges, effects on parental health and well‐being, lack of social and family support, financial burden and coping and resilience. The caregivers in Baluchistan and KP provinces demonstrated a higher level of anxiety, depression and social isolation compared to those in Punjab and Sindh provinces. These differences give the impression of a close relation to limited healthcare accessibility, poor socioeconomic status and a higher level of cultural stigma in these less developed areas. Conclusion The study highlights the pressing need for tailored, region‐specific solutions to tackle the distinct challenges caregivers face in these different provinces. Interventions should focus on expanding healthcare services, offering financial aid, challenging harmful societal attitudes, strengthening community networks and enacting fairer policies to support families caring for children with CP.