Nutritional Status and Feeding Practices of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Lagos State

Children with cerebral palsy face unique nutritional challenges due to oral motor dysfunction, feeding difficulties, and increased metabolic demands associated with the condition. This study evaluates the nutritional status and feeding practices of children aged 2 to 12 years diagnosed with cerebral palsy attending neurorehabilitation and special education centres in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. The scarcity of specialised nutrition services for children with disabilities in Nigeria means that caregivers often manage feeding challenges without professional guidance, increasing the risk of malnutrition and aspiration. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 120 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy recruited from three selected facilities in Ikeja and Lagos Island. Structured caregiver interviews assessed feeding methods, food consistency, meal frequency, and challenges encountered during feeding. Anthropometric measurements of the children including weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness were taken using modified protocols appropriate for children with motor limitations. Dietary adequacy was evaluated using a 24-hour recall adapted for caregiver proxy reporting. Findings are expected to reveal high rates of malnutrition and feeding dependency, with texture modification and feeding position as underutilised practices. The study recommends integrating nutrition support into cerebral palsy multidisciplinary care teams. Keywords: cerebral palsy, nutritional status, feeding practices, Lagos, paediatric nutrition.