Prevalence and Factors Associated with Malnutrition among Children with Cerebral Palsy Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajhs.v38i3.10

Abstract

Background: The burden of malnutrition is high in sub-Saharan Africa, and children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) are likely to be affected. Information on the nutritional status of children with CP in Ghana is limited because they are excluded from community surveys of malnutrition due to their specific disabilities. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition amongst children aged 1 year to 12 years with cerebral palsy at the Department of Child Health, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra, Ghana

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 130 registered children aged 1 – 12 years with CP at the Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Clinic of KBTH. Consecutive children who met the criteria were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference, were taken. Z-scores of each anthropometrical measurement were determined using the World Health Organisation (WHO) normal curves. Other variables assessed included feeding difficulties, caregiver sociodemographic characteristics, household characteristics, and dietary history, using a pre-tested questionnaire.

Results: The mean age of participants was 4.0 years (+ 3.01). The prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight were 45.4% (95%CI: 36.9% - 54.1%), 39.2% (95% CI: 31.1% – 48.0%), and 54.8% (95% CI: 43.6% – 60.8%), respectively. Wasting was significantly associated with lower carbohydrate food intake (188.8 (155.0) versus 218.6 (137.9), p=0.047 and lower protein intake 28.5 (16.4) versus 36.4 (17.0 ), p=0.002). The proportion of caregivers with no occupation was higher among children who were stunted.

Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition is high among children with cerebral palsy aged 1-12 years who attend the Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Clinic of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. Factors associated with malnutrition include lower carbohydrate and protein intake, and children from poor households.