Survey of Prevalence and Status of Drooling in Children with Cerebral Palsy in Korea

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence, status, severity, frequency, and impact on life of drooling in children with cerebral palsy.Methods: A total of 74 children with cerebral palsy, aged 2-6 years (53.6817.33months), who exhibited drooling symptoms were assessed using the Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS) and the Drooling Impact Scale (DIS) to determine the status, severity, frequency, and impact of drooling in drooling group and control group.The study also examined differences in drooling-related factors based on gender, age, and prematurity status.Results: The overall prevalence of drooling was 60.8%, 35.6% in those with spastic quadriplegia, and 77.8% in children at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level III-V.Significant differences were found in drooling severity based on gender, prematurity, and age.Higher scores were observed for drooling severity and frequency, frequency of wiping the mouth, and the impact of drooling on the child's life compare to control group.Although a few had undergone drooling-related treatments, many parents expressed a desire to receive treatment.It was reported that treatment for drooling was primarily provided by occupational therapists through referrals to rehabilitation medicine, with dysphagia rehabilitation and oral motor therapy being the main interventions.Conclusion: By utilizing standardized assessment tools, the severity of drooling according to the specific conditions of children with disabilities was assessed.It is believed that the necessary steps to be taken include identifying the cause of drooling and setting appropriate treatment goals, followed by the provision for a suitable intervention.(