Caregiver’s feeding experiences of their children with cerebral palsy (CP)

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of irreversible neurological illnesses that impact posture and motor development, resulting from non-progressive abnormalities in the developing fetus or infant brain. Children with cerebral palsy frequently encounter feeding-related difficulties, including food rejection, disruptive mealtime behaviors, selective food preferences, inability to chew and convert solids into a soft, cohesive bolus, and malnutrition. Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy encounter numerous difficulties and experience significant stress linked to feeding challenges. The study aims to investigate the difficulties caregivers face in children with cerebral palsy during feeding activities. This study was conducted using a qualitative method to investigate caregivers' feeding experiences of their children with Cerebral Palsy. It is being conducted in the indoor and outdoor units of the Speech and Language Therapy Department at CRP, Savar. The data was collected through interviews. The study participants were chosen through purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted using a face-to-face semi-structured questionnaire. The researcher conducted this study with 12 participants. A self designed Bangla questionnaire was used to carry out the study. 12 participants provided their insights, and the responses were documented. The data was analyzed through qualitative content analysis.The findings were that most of the children with cerebral palsy face many kinds of feeding difficulties, which affect their health and nutritional status. Caregivers are worried about their health and nutrition. Due to their feeding difficulties, caregivers face some physical and psychological problems. Health professionals advise caregivers on how to feed their children. In conclusion, the researcher discussed the results. The study results indicate that a significant number of children with cerebral palsy experience various feeding difficulties, which consequently lead to physical and psychological challenges for their caregivers. They also encounter challenges in completing their household tasks. Some caregivers are unaware of their challenges because they believe caring for their children is their responsibility. Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, feeding difficulties, caregiver