Adaptation and validation of Arabic version of the screening tool of feeding problems applied to children (STEP-CHILD)

Abstract

Objectives Early identification of pediatric feeding problems is crucial to preventing their subsequent negative impact on children's quality of life. This study aimed to create and validate an Arabic-modified version of the Screening Tool of Feeding Problems Applied to Children (STEP-CHILD) to identify feeding problems in Arabic-speaking children. Methods The STEP-CHILD Arabic was created and administered to the parents/caregivers of 390 Arabic-speaking children aged 2-18 years. 89 typically developing children without feeding/swallowing problems and 301 children with developmental disabilities were included in the study. The data was statistically analyzed to examine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Results The STEP-CHILD Arabic demonstrated excellent content validity, face validity, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. Predictive validity showed that the questionnaire has moderate to high accuracy in identifying pediatric feeding problems. It also showed excellent reliability and allowed for determining the specific feeding problems that would be targeted in the intervention. Conclusions The STEP-CHILD Arabic is a valid, reliable, and easily applicable tool that can be used as a routine evaluation for Arabic-speaking children at high risk of feeding problems.