The Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale in Telugu (BPFAS-T)

Lakshmi Prasanna P 1, *, Sethubharathi G 1, Samuel Santhosh Kumar P 2, Vishnuram B 2 and Blessy Sharolin M 1

1 Department of Speech and Hearing, Helen Keller’s Institute of Research and Rehabilitation for the Disabled Children, RK Puram, near Neredmet X roads, Secunderabad-500056, Telangana, India.
2 Audiologist and Speech Language pathologists. CommuniKare Multi Rehab Clinic, Chennai, India.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2023, 16(01), 099–105.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2023.16.1.0424
Publication history: 
Received on 31 August 2023; revised on 07 October 2023; accepted on 10 October 2023
 
Abstract: 
The Behavioural Paediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was commonly used to assess the children's feeding behaviours. Assessing behaviours is extremely beneficial in understanding the child's mental state and tracking further developmental aspects. This scale was available in the majority of languages; which is not available in Telugu, the language spoken by the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, cultural and lingual aspects should be considered when assessing certain aspects of children's behaviour. In this context the current study aimed to adapt the BPFAS scale into Telugu. This study included 380 parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The children ranged in age from 1 to 8 years. Parents were instructed to fill out the questionnaire correctly. The obtained scores were examined using reliability, independent t test, and one way ANOVA. The results revealed a Cronbach's alpha of 0.729, indicating that the BPFS-Telugu is acceptable and can be used clinically. The independent t test revealed that there is a high significant difference between total scores, a significant difference between frequency scores, and no significant difference between problem scores. One-way ANOVA was used to compare severity, and the results show that there is a significant difference between total scores, a high significant difference between problem scores, and no significant difference between frequency scores. The independent test for frequency score revealed a highly significant difference between ASD children with and without behavioural problems, as well as problem scores. Overall, 55.5 % (frequency scores) and 55.1% (problem scores) of ASD children were identified with behavioural issues during feeding time. Finally, the authors stated that BPFAS in Telugu is clinically acceptable and can be used to assess for behavioural issues during feeding time.
 
Keywords: 
ASD; BPFAS; Telugu; Behavior and feeding problems
 
Full text article in PDF: