Abstract

MARQUES, Joana Mendes  and  SA, Luís Octávio. Feeding a child with cerebral palsy: parents' difficulties. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2016, vol.serIV, n.11, pp.11-19. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIV16041.

Background: The nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) is an issue where nurses have a major responsibility towards children and their parents. Objectives: To assess the weight, height and body mass index of children with CP; To identify the caregivers' perception of the nutritional status of their child with CP; To identify the caregivers' difficulties in feeding their child; To identify the association between family functionality and the child's weight. Methodology: Mixed study with a sample of 104 children and their father/mother (104). The Anthropometric Assessment Questionnaire was applied to parents. Results: About 45% of children were below the 5th percentile. Most caregivers were aware of their child's weight-for-height deficit. These caregivers' difficulties were related to food spilling out of the mouth, choking, and frequent vomiting. Conclusion: A high percentage of children with CP have weight-for-height deficit. Caregivers are aware of this issue, indicating difficulties in feeding their children. The families of children with weight-for-height deficit are the most dysfunctional families.

Keywords : child; cerebral palsy; parents; feeding.

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