Effect of an Experiential Dysphagia Workshop on Caregivers’ Knowledge, Confidence, Anxiety and Behaviour During Mealtimes
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.Keywords
cerebral palsy
dysphagia
caregivers
knowledge
confidence
anxiety
Sri Lanka
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How to Cite
Shyamani Hettiarachchi, Gopi Kitnasamy (2013-11-06). Effect of an Experiential Dysphagia Workshop on Caregivers’ Knowledge, Confidence, Anxiety and Behaviour During Mealtimes. Disability, CBR & Inclusive Development, Vol. 24 No. 3 (2013): Autumn, 75-97. https://doi.org/10.5463/dcid.v24i3.73
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Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access ).
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