Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Children with Cerebral Palsy: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Ghana

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs posture, muscle tone, swallowing coordination, and oral motor control, increasing the risk of feeding difficulties and poor nutritional intake in affected children. Data on the dietary habits and nutritional status of children with CP in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. The aim of the study was to assess the dietary habits and nutritional status of children with CP attending a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Eighty children with CP and their caregivers were consecutively recruited in a cross-sectional study. Clinical information was obtained from hospital records. The 24-h dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire interviews of caregivers provided dietary intake information. Macronutrient intakes were compared with estimated average requirements (EAR). Nutritional status was assessed using the Brooks classification system. Data were analysed with SPSS v 22 at P ≤ 0.05. Mean age was 4.6 ± 2.9 years, with 63.8% being male and 56.2% at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level II. Most (83.8%) required caregiver feeding assistance; 41.2% had swallowing difficulties, 33.8% had chewing difficulties, 23.8% had coughing, and 18.8% had choking. Severe underweight affected 33.8%, with males being more affected. Energy intake was below EAR in 85% and correlated inversely with GMFCS ( r = −0.251, P = 0.025) and positively with height-for-age ( r = 0.251, P = 0.025). In this study, children with CP experienced nutritional challenges, marked by widespread energy inadequacy and high underweight prevalence, particularly among males. Feeding difficulties increased with motor impairment severity. Targeted nutrition interventions and routine CP-specific growth monitoring are recommended.