A Comparative Look at Feeding Difficulties and Caregiver Approaches in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10882-026-10082-8
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CINAHL, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Education Collection (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Sociology Database (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Caregiver, Cerebral palsy, Feeding problems, Mealtime behaviors, Well-being
- Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Feeding disorders in children with cerebral palsy (CP) involve both sensory-motor difficulties and caregiver mealtime behaviors. This study examined feeding problems and caregiver behaviors in children with CP compared to typically developing (TD) children. 190 children (90 = CP; 100 = TD) and their caregivers participated in the study. Caregivers completed the Screening Tool for Eating Problems (STEP) and the Parent Mealtime Action Scale (PMAS). Children with CP were assessed using GMFCS, MACS, and EDACS by an occupational therapist. Significant differences across functional classification levels were observed on several STEP subscales in children with CP. After Bonferroni correction, Risk of Aspiration differed significantly across GMFCS, MACS, and EDACS levels, whereas Food Selectivity and Feeding Skills Deficits differed across MACS and EDACS levels (p < 0.05). Compared with TD children, children with CP showed higher Risk of Aspiration and Food Selectivity scores, lower Daily Fruit and Vegetable Availability scores, and higher Special Meals and Many Food Choices scores (p < 0.05). Follow-up hierarchical regression analyses indicated that Feeding Skills Deficits was associated with Special Meals, whereas Nutrition Behavior was associated with Many Food Choices. Children with CP experienced more pronounced feeding difficulties, and their caregivers exhibited more caregiver mealtime behaviors than those in the TD group. These findings highlight the close relationship between child feeding difficulties and caregiver responses, emphasizing the importance of considering both factors in feeding assessment and intervention.