Assessment of Levels of Disability in Children Following Post-Meningitis Sequelae: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study: Assessment of Levels of Disability in Children Following Post-Meningitis Sequelae

Sajal Rehman Nawaz; Sarfaraz Ahmad; Maida Shabbir; Tayyaba Bari; Sara Hussain Gardezi; . Zainab; . Zobia; Zoha Rehman

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i10.3250

Authors

Sajal Rehman Nawaz Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital, University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Sarfaraz Ahmad Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital, University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Maida Shabbir Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital, University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Tayyaba Bari Department of Physical Therapy, Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Sara Hussain Gardezi Department of Physical Therapy, University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
. Zainab Department of Medicine, Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
. Zobia Department of Medicine, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Zoha Rehman Department of Pediatrics, Ordnance Factory Hospital, Wahcantt., Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i10.3250

Keywords:

Meningitis, Pediatrics, Disability Evaluation, Pediatric Glasgow Outcome Scale

Abstract

Meningitis is a globally rampant disease, particularly affecting children, and often results in a series of debilitating neuro-physiological and cognitive impairments. These outcomes are collectively classified as post-meningitis sequelae in the pediatric population. Objectives: To assess the levels of disability among children following post-meningitis sequelae. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 144 children (aged 3–10 years) with post-meningitis sequelae at The Children’s Hospital, Lahore. Participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Functional outcomes were assessed using a modified Pediatric Glasgow Outcome Scale – Extended (Peds-GOSE). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Frequencies and percentages were calculated, and chi-square tests were applied to determine associations between demographic variables and disability levels. Results: Out of 144 children, 8% were in a vegetative state (Peds-GOSE 7), 36% had Lower Severe Disability (Peds-GOSE 6), 23% had Upper Severe Disability (Peds-GOSE 5), 17% had Lower Moderate Disability (Peds-GOSE 4), and 6% had Upper Moderate Disability (Peds-GOSE 3). Only 35% showed good recovery (Peds-GOSE 1–2). Overall, 65% experienced unfavorable outcomes (Peds-GOSE 3–7). A statistically significant association was found between age and disability level (χ² = 63.713, df = 12, p<0.001). Conclusion: The majority of children with post-meningitis sequelae demonstrated unfavorable outcomes, with 65.3% falling into moderate to severe disability categories. Lower Severe Disability (25%) was most common, while only 18.8% achieved complete recovery. Younger age was significantly associated with greater disability severity (p<0.001), indicating increased vulnerability in early childhood.

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