Effectiveness Of Planned Feeding Interventions On Quality Of Life Among Children With Cerebral Palsy Having Feeding Difficulties: A Prospective Quasi-Experimental Stud
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64252/zhcxhf71Keywords:
Cerebral palsy, feeding difficulties, quality of life, feeding intervention, CPCHILDAbstract
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) often causes feeding difficulties, leading to malnutrition and reduced quality of life. Although structured feeding interventions show promise, their long-term impact remains underexplored in resource-limited settings. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of planned feeding interventions on quality of life among children with CP having feeding difficulties, In the present study the research methodology was A prospective quasi‑experimental pre‑test/post‑test study was conducted with 100 children (aged 3–12) Using Cochran’s formula and purposive sampling, participants underwent eight 45‑minute feeding training sessions. Outcomes—feeding difficulty scores, caregiver feeding practices, anthropometric measurements, and CPCHILD© quality of life scores—were measured at baseline, 40 days, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and chi‑square tests (p < 0.05).
The result indicated that Post-intervention, feeding difficulty scores improved significantly, with only 6% showing moderate issues and none severe (t = 7.03, p < 0.001). Mean BMI rose from 13.6 ± 2.8 to significantly improved levels over 12 months (p < 0.05). Caregiver practices shifted from 73% poor to 71% good (t = 12.36, p < 0.001). Quality of life improved: 78% had poor ratings at baseline, with 73% achieving good scores at one year (F = 15.96, p < 0.001). Pre-intervention quality-of-life scores were significantly associated with parental education, occupation, income, and birth order (χ², p < 0.05). The study concluded that planned feeding interventions result in improved feeding competence on quality of life among children with CP. These findings support the integration of multidisciplinary, caregiver-focused feeding strategies in routine care and highlight the need for larger multicentre studies.
