Author: Fung EB et al.
Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2002. 102;361-368,373.
230 children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy were recruited from six major medical centers across the United States and Canada. Parents were given a two-part survey; one section asked about their child?s feeding difficulties while the other focused more on their child?s physical and mental health. Specific questions were asked to evaluate the impact CP had on the caregiver?s time involvement and stress level.
All of the children had their nutrition status measured. A scale was developed to determine eating ability.
The results suggested that children with more severe feeding problems tended to also have poorer health, lower fat and muscle stores and lower weights and heights. However, the above measurements were better in children who had severe feeding problems and were tube-fed than those who had moderate feeding problems and took all of their nutrition by mouth. The surveys also showed that when any kind of feeding problems were present, the family?s ability to participate in everyday activities was limited due to the extended time factors involved. Additionally, the children who were tube fed had the greatest impact on emotional stress and health on parents or caregivers
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