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 - 12years. The children were selected from Cypriot schools and health settings. All parents filled out the PEDI-EA Tau-10 questionnaire and after its initial completion, it was re-administered after 2weeks. 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.