Detection of problematic feeding symptoms in childhood: Utility of the PediEAT questionnaire in populations with and without disabilities

Abstract

Feeding difficulties are common in childhood. The PediEAT questionnaire helps in identifying feeding problems in children up to 7 years of age.

Objective: To assess symptoms associated with problematic feeding observed by families and/or caregivers of Argentine children aged 6 months to 7 years who consume solid foods through the implementation of the PediEAT tool, with and without reported disabilities.

Subjects and Method: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. Sequential sampling was conducted. The self-administered PediEAT questionnaire, previously adapted and validated, was used with families and/or caregivers of children aged 6 months to 7 years who had started consuming solid foods. Age, nutritional status, socio-educational characteristics, and PediEAT dimensions were analyzed. The dimensions of the questionnaire were compared between those whose caregivers perceived problematic feeding and those who did not. Categorical variables were evaluated using the Chi-square test with Fisher’s correction, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: 310 children were evaluated. The average age was 3 years and 8 months (±1 year and 8 months). 13.2% had a reported disability and 41.3% (95% CI 35.8–47.0) of the children’s caregivers stated that they perceived problematic feeding or were unsure about it. Additionally, 39% (95% CI 33.5–44.7) showed malnutrition, either due to excess or deficiency. Compared to the group without reported disabilities, the group with disabilities showed greater concern in the dimensions of physiological symptoms (p = 0.009), selective/restrictive eating (p = 0.033), and oral processing (p < 0.0001). The perception of feeding problems, as reported by families, was significantly associated with the identification of problematic feeding concerns according to the PediEAT (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The group with disabilities shows a higher prevalence of eating problems, and the PediEAT helped identify the specific areas of these problems perceived by families.