Early Access and Adherence to Physiotherapy in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Hospital-Based Study in Cameroon

PURPOSE: To examine factors related to early access and adherence to physiotherapy services among children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Cameroon. METHODS: A cross-sectional mixed retrospective and prospective study was conducted in Douala, Cameroon. Children aged 3 to 60 months diagnosed with CP from a tertiary referral center were included. Data were collected through structured caregiver interviews and medical record reviews. Early access was defined as initiating physiotherapy before 5 months of age, and good adherence was defined as completing ≥50% of prescribed sessions. RESULTS: Out of 94 children, 36 (38.3%) accessed physiotherapy early, and 36 (38.3%) showed good adherence. Factors significantly linked to early access included CP subtype, neonatal jaundice, and having more than 7 risk factors. Poor adherence was significantly associated with parental discouragement due to lack of improvement and canceled appointments due to the physiotherapist's unavailability. CONCLUSIONS: Early physiotherapy access and adherence remain inadequate in this Cameroonian setting, with clinical severity prompting earlier referrals.