Evaluation of children with disabilities: BMI indicators and difficulties experienced by parents Evaluation of disabled children

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the disability categories and sociodemographic characteristics of disabled children to stratify their risks in terms of body mass index (BMI), obesity and underweight, and to identify the problems of affected children and their families.Material and Methods: A total of 1229 children younger than 7 years of age were identified to be surveyed with home visits by a dedicated team. BMI param-eters were obtained for 330 children. Functional impairment was classified into six groups according to the ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) codes.Results: Children with orthopedic disabilities accounted for 34.9%, with intellectual disability 34.1%, developmental disorders of speech and language 15.6%, autistic disorders 15.5%, hearing loss 8%, and visual disturbances and blindness 0.8%.According to the BMI percentile curves of the 330 children, 25.8% were considered obese, 5.4% were overweight, and 18.5% were underweight. The risks for obesity and underweight were significantly increased in children with autistic disorders and orthopedic disabilities, respectively (p<0.05). Discussion: Children with disabilities are at an increased risk for obesity and underweight, which requires the evaluation and close monitoring of nutritional problems and provision of nutritional support.