Effect of an Experiential Dysphagia Workshop on Caregivers’ Knowledge, Confidence, Anxiety and Behaviour During Mealtimes

Shyamani Hettiarachchi (1), Gopi Kitnasamy (2)
(1) Department of Disability Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka,
(2) Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Purpose: Children with cerebral palsy who have associated feeding difficulties are at risk of aspiration and poor nutrition. This study aimed to measure the changes in knowledge, confidence, anxiety and behaviour among 25 Sri Lankan mothers with responsibility for feeding children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, after they attended an experiential workshop.

Methods: Data collection was done through pre- and post-workshop questionnaires, observations and semi-structured interviews.

Results: There was a significant improvement in reported levels of knowledge and confidence and a decrease in the caregivers’ level of anxiety during mealtimes. The qualitative data analysis indicated changes in participant knowledge, particularly about the signs of aspiration and positioning during mealtimes. Observations showed better adherence to recommendations on communication, bolus size and utensils.

Conclusion: The findings support the utility of experiential training for caregivers, to ensure that children with cerebral palsy are fed safely.

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Authors

Shyamani Hettiarachchi
shyamani@kln.ac.lk (Primary Contact)
Gopi Kitnasamy
Author Biographies

Shyamani Hettiarachchi, Department of Disability Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya

The author works as a speech and language therapist and dramatherapist in Sri Lanka. She is currently working at the Department of Disability Studies at the Faculty of Medicine in Ragama, Sri Lanka, where she teaches the speech and hearing sciences course.

Gopi Kitnasamy, Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation

The author is a Bobath-trained physiotherapist. He is the current President of the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation.

1.
Hettiarachchi S, Kitnasamy G. Effect of an Experiential Dysphagia Workshop on Caregivers’ Knowledge, Confidence, Anxiety and Behaviour During Mealtimes. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2013 Nov. 6 [cited 2025 Jun. 2];24(3):75-97. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/124

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