Feeding difficulties in children with cerebral palsy: low‐cost caregiver training in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

In situations of poverty, compliance is restricted by lack of education, finances and time. Nonetheless, carers with minimal formal education, living in conditions of extreme poverty were able to change feeding practices after a short, low-cost training intervention, with highly positive consequences. The availability of affordable food supplementation for this population, however, requires urgent attention.

Effect of an Experiential Dysphagia Workshop on Caregivers’ Knowledge, Confidence, Anxiety and Behaviour During Mealtimes

“…This reduction in levels of stress is similar to that reported by Bangladeshi caregivers following a lowcost training initiative (Adams et al, 2011). However, unlike the Bangladeshi caregivers, the current study did not include a comparison group.…”

The intersection of disability and food security: Perspectives of health and humanitarian aid workers

“…Specific feeding and swallowing disorders may include symptoms such as food refusal, overeating or aspiration (food or fluid entering the airways or lungs) as may be the case for people with stroke (Martino et al 2005) or traumatic brain injury (Castano & Capdevila 2010;Terre & Mearin 2007). Furthermore, symptoms such as gastroesophageal reflux, dysphagia, prolonged feeding time and increased feeding-related caregiver stress have been identified in the cerebral palsy population (Adams et al 2012;Schwarz 2003). People with visual impairment have been found to have difficulty shopping and preparing food (Muurinen et al 2014) and may consume a diet lacking in variety as a result of inaccessibility of materials and environments (Bilyk et al 2009).…”

“…The prevalence of swallowing disorders has been estimated to be 16% of the general population in a high-income, urban context (Eslick & Talley 2008) and is therefore expected to be even higher in the Majority World. As feeding can be affected in a myriad of ways when a person presents with a disability (Adams et al 2012;Bilyk et al 2009;Castano & Capdevila 2010;Schwarz 2003), we consider reduced HCP and HAW knowledge and experience of feeding and swallowing disorders to be a risk factor that may contribute to reduced food access and therefore an increased risk of food insecurity for people living with disabilities. In terms of the conceptual framework (Figure 1), reduced HCP and HAW knowledge and experience of disability and feeding issues is likely to affect the quality and sufficiency of food assistance efforts.…”

Outcomes of Feeding Training to Mothers Having Child with Cerebral Palsy Admitted at A Tertiary Level Hospital in Bangladesh

“…In a population based study children aged 2-9 years in Bangladesh by Mobarak R et al estimated the prevalence of moderate to severe disability with specially feeding problem due to cerebral palsy 10 . In a population based study by Adams MS et al found that 28 children among 37 has been significantly improved after feeding training who have had moderate to severe CP and the investigator did not found any correlation between ages and feeding difficulties 8 . From this current study it has been found that, feeding difficulties does not depend on ages, because there was 20 children came up for feeding training and none of them have same age but some of them have the same frequency or level (Mild, moderate, severe) of feeding difficulties.…”

“…The child who were diagnosed as progressive or metabolic disorder or chronically sick or having any congenital syndrome were excluded from the study. Presence of feeding difficulties was assessed by a checklist which was developed by Adams M et al 8 . The checklist involved some questionnaires.…”