Almasri, N.A., Dunst, C.J., Saleh, M.,Okasheh,R. Determinants of Utilization of Health Services Provided for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Jordan. J Dev Phys Disabil (2019) 31: 205
Abstract
Enhancing services utilization for children with cerebral palsy is a
national priority particularly in middle and low income countries. Based
on Andersen’s (1995) Behavioral Model of Health Services Use
and previous research findings, a conceptual model was developed to
identify child, family, and service determinants of utilization of
services by children with cerebral palsy in Jordan. 1 hundred and 16
families of children with cerebral palsy agreed to participate in the
study. Children were 4.6 ± 4.3 years of age. The most common types of
cerebral palsy were spastic quadriplegia followed by spastic diplegia.
Data were collected in 2 sessions. Physiotherapists’ research assistants
administered the Gross Motor Classification System, the Gross Motor
Function Measure-66-Item Set Version, Child Information Questionnaire,
the Family Support Scale, the Family Resources Scale, Family Information
Questionnaire, Services Questionnaire, and the Measure of Processes of
Care-20 Item Version. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis by
blocks was used to determine the predictors of the utilization of
services. The model explained 57.5% of the variance in access to
services. Satisfaction with services was the most influential
determinant of utilization of services followed by family resources,
child needs for services, associated health problems, father employment,
and processes of care. Professionals and policy makers are encouraged
to attend to parents’ satisfaction with services, processes of care, and
family resources as key indicators of improving access and utilization
of services by families of children with cerebral palsy.