Translation, Cultural Adaption, and Validation of the Persian Version of the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool

Abstract

Introduction: The Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PediEAT) is a parent-report tool to assess feeding problems in children aged six months to seven years. This study aims to translate and adapt the PediEAT tool to Persian and determine its psychometric properties. Methods: The PediEAT was translated and culturally adapted following guidelines for health-related instruments. Face and content validity was assessed using an expert panel. To evaluate Psychometric properties using a sample of 160 children without feeding problems and 43 children with diagnosed feeding problems. Using known-groups validation to compare PediEAT scores between children with and without feeding problems. In criterion validity, using pediatricians’ opinions as a criterion. To calculate Internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha. After two weeks, temporal stability was assessed with 40 parents who repeated the PediEAT tool. Results: Face and content validity showed that all tool items had CVI and kappa coefficients higher than 0.8. Known group validity showed that the total and subscale scores significantly differed between children with and without feeding problems (p <0.001). Criterion validity showed that criterion measurements correlated with questionnaire measurements. All four subscales and the total scale showed acceptable internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha > .74). Test-retest reliability was acceptable (ICC = 0.987, p <0.001). Conclusions: The PediEAT-Persian version is a valid and reliable tool for assessing symptoms of problematic feeding in Persian children aged six months to 7 years.