Feeding in children with cerebral palsy: preliminary results from an ongoing study at the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama

Abstract

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Malnutrition is a common problem in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and can be associated with growth failure. This study was done to assess feeding patterns and caregivers’ perception on feeding children with CP. METHODS: A total of 42 children with CP at the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama (RRH) were studied from March 2016 to March 2017. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. RESULTS: Median (IQR) age of children was 65 (37-117) months and 69% were males. 64.3% had spastic quadriplegia. 90% of children’s main caregiver was the mother. 19% were able to self feed, 12% could self feed but was slow and messy, 7% could self feed with assistance and 62% were entirely fed by the caregivers. 79% tolerated adult food, 17% were on coarsely mashed purees and 4% required well mashed purees. Median (IQR) daily feeding time was 110 (72-205) minutes in spastic quadriplegic children compared to 80 (60-110) minutes in other types of CP (p=0.17). 31% of caregivers expressed that feeding was stressful. 57% of caregivers believed that their child was underweight, 2% as just below normal weight and 10% as overweight. CONCLUSION: A total of 62% of children were entirely fed by the caregivers. Twenty one percent needed special food preparations. Median feeding time was relatively higher in spastic quadriplegics compared to other types of CP. Nearly one third of caregivers expressed that feeding was stressful. More than half of the caregivers believed that their children were underweight.