Determination of the Prevalence of Malnutrition in Children with Cerebral Palsy in Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation Center

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in children with cerebral palsy (CP) admitted to outpatient clinic in Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation Center. Subjects and Methods: A total of 71 CP diagnosed children, aged 4-13 years, admitted to Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation Center outpatient clinic were included to this study according to stratified sampling method by using Gross Motor Function Classification System. In the study, a general questionnaire was applied, and anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, subscapular skinfold thickness, and mid upper arm circumference) were taken. Participants were evaluated according to WHO 2006 and 2007 weight-for-age growth standards and reference data in order to determine the malnutrition prevalence. Results: Out of total, 28.2% (n=20) of children was below the 3rd percentile, and defined as underweight. 25.0% (n=11) of boys and 33.3% (n=9) of girls were below 3rd percentile. Conclusion: Evaluation of nutritional status of children with CP should be performed monthly in the first age, bimonthly in the second age, quarterly between 3 to 5 ages, and at least per six months later follow-up. Dietitian has important roles in diagnosing and solving the nutritional problems of children with CP. Diagnosing and solving these nutritional problems and improving the nutritional status will lessen the complications and improve the quality of life of children with CP.