Article

The association between socio-economic status (SES) and cerebral palsy (CP)
remains controversial. Preterm birth, low birthweight, and postnatal injuries are
accepted mediating risk factors for CP, but the question remains whether SES
confers additional risk. The aim of this study was to analyse existing knowledge
on the relationship between SES and the risk of CP.
METHOD: We conducted a
systematic search and review of potentially relevant research relating to SES and
CP published from 1980 to 2012. Heterogeneity between studies did not allow for
data aggregation or meta-analysis; therefore, a narrative review was used to
summarize the findings. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the systematic
review. Of these, eight found low SES to be a risk factor for increased CP
prevalence. Three studies detected statistically significant associations even
after controlling for birthweight and gestational age as variables. Two of these
studies also accounted for additional confounding variables (multiple births and
timing of CP acquisition) and continued to detect contributory effects of SES.
Linear negative correlations between CP prevalence and SES were shown by three
studies. INTERPRETATION: Evidence suggests that the effect of SES on CP
prevalence goes beyond that of the mediating factors preterm birth, low
birthweight, and postnatal trauma. These associations were seen in area-based
and, to a lesser extent, individual measures of SES. A better understanding of
mediating factors is imperative in developing targeted public health intervention
programmes to reduce the prevalence of CP.
CI - (c) 2014 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS