Effectiveness of Nursing Intervention on Knowledge and Practice of Feeding among Caregivers of Cerebral Palsy Children

Introduction

Feeding and eating are important activities that allow individuals to maintain adequate growth in the children with cerebral palsy. They are at risk because of oral, pharyngeal or esophageal dysphagia. oral motor dysfunction (OMD), communication difficulties that may deteriorate their health status. Focusing on the nutritional aspects may help them to maintain their health status. So the investigator was interested to conduct a research study to bring awareness among care-givers.

Material and methods:

A quasi experimental non equivalent control group design was adopted for this study. There were 30 caregivers, 15 in each control and experimental groups were selected. Through non probability purposive sampling technique the samples were selected and assessed by means of a structured questionnaire and observation check list. Health education cum demonstration on feeding practice of cerebral palsy children was given to the experimental group. The data was analyzed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results and findings:

The care-givers of CP children had moderately adequate knowledge and feeding practice during the pre-test. The experimental group gained more knowledge score than the control group of caregivers in the post-test. This is proved by't' test (n = 30) = 16.22 (p<0.01). The health education and demonstration on feeding practices was found to be effective and the care-givers improved their feeding practice and reduced their feeding difficulties and problems to their children.

Conclusion:

Research hypothesis stated was accepted. It was concluded that there is a need to improve the knowledge and practice of feeding the cerebral palsy children among the care-givers.