Gross Motor Function and Recurrent Pneumonia-Related Hospitalization in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Authors

  • Nurul Azmi Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
  • Fadhilah Tia Nur Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
  • Agustina Wulandari Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.05.02

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is commonly complicated by respiratory disease, and pneumo­nia is a major cause of hospitalization and mortality. The contribution of gross motor impairment to recurrent pneumonia-related hospitalization remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the association between gross motor function and recurrent pneumonia-related hospitalization in children with CP.

Subjects and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Neurology Out­patient Clinic of Dr. Moewardi Regional General Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia, from May to July 2025. Seventy-seven children aged 1-18 years with CP and a history of pneumonia-related hospita­lization were recruited by consecutive sampling. Gross motor function was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Recurrent pneumonia-related hospitaliza­tion was the dependent variable. Bivariate analysis used Chi-square or Fisher exact tests, followed by multivariable binary logistic regression.

Results: Gross motor function and gastrointestinal disorders levels III-V was associated with recurrent pneumonia-related hospitalization in children with cerebral palsy (OR= 4.50; 95% CI= 1.01 to 20.09; p= 0.049).

Conclusion: More severe gross motor impairment (GMFCS III-V) is associated with recurrent pneumonia-related hospitalization in children with cerebral palsy. GMFCS may help identify children who require closer respiratory monitoring.

Keywords:

cerebral palsy, gross motor impairment, pneumonia, hospitalization

Published

2026-09-16

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Issue

Vol. 11 No. 5 (2026)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Gross Motor Function and Recurrent Pneumonia-Related Hospitalization in Children with Cerebral Palsy. (2026). Journal of Maternal and Child Health, 11(5), 315-325. https://doi.org/10.26911/thejmch.2026.11.05.02

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