Validation and cultural adaptation of a Greek Version of Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool 10 (PEDI - EAT - 10) in Greek-Cypriot Parents.

PURPOSE: The Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PEDI-EAT-10) is a parents/caregivers screening tool that assesses pediatric patients at risk of penetration and/or aspiration symptoms. The aim of this study was the validation of PEDI-EAT-10 in the Greek language.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 222 parents/caregivers of children with ( n  = 122) and without ( n  = 100) feeding and/or swallowing disorders, with age range 3 - 12 years. The children were selected from Cypriot schools and health settings. All parents filled out the PEDI-EAΤ-10 questionnaire and after its initial completion, it was re-administered after 2 weeks.

RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in the PEDI-EAT-10 total mean scores between the study's two groups [t (220) = 9.886, p  < 0.001]. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha= 0.801) with very good split-half reliability equal to 0.789. A significant and strong test-retest reliability was computed ( r  = 0.998, p  < 0.001). The PEDI-EAT-10 cutoff point was 11.00 (AUC: 0.869, p  < 0.001) for children with feeding and/or swallowing disorders in accordance with the PAS scale.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the Greek version of PEDI-EAT-10 is shown to be a valid and reliable screening tool for the assessment of the pediatric population with a risk of dysphagia.