Validity and Prevalence of Pediatric Feeding Disorders in a General Population Sample Using the MCH-FS
Naila DE OLIVEIRA, Hugo FERREIRA RODRIGUES, Cezzane ALMEIDA, Marcos Paulo HUTCHISON, Julia De Paula PANZAN, De Melo MARCIO CRISTIANO, Nathália De Moraes LEBEIS NERY and Brenno B. Nery DE SOUZA CAMPOS
Few studies have investigated the prevalence of feeding difficulties among children in the general population. These difficulties are estimated to affect up to 25% of children, according to Chatoor (2003), and up to 80% of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, as reported by Manikam.This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pediatric feeding disorders in a general population sample in France using the Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH-FS).The questionnaire included the MCH-FS, as well as additional items regarding child follow-up characteristics, age, comorbidities, and the presence of a previously known pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). Data were analyzed for the full sample and across subgroups according to MCH-FS score and PFD status.A total of 210 children were recruited through a self-administered questionnaire distributed in the general population. The MCH-FS demonstrated acceptable validity parameters, with a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 79%. Using the threshold score of 45, 27% of children screened positive, while only 12% had an existing diagnosis of PFD. Mean scores differed significantly between children with a diagnosed PFD and those without. Significant differences in comorbidities were also observed between children without a PFD and those with a previously diagnosed PFD.The MCH-FS appears to be a valid screening tool for identifying feeding disorders in children within the general population. Feeding disorders and PFDs seem to be underdiagnosed in the general population. Clinical data from the children should be collected to better characterize affected individuals. This study presents a selection and participation bias. Moreover, the MCH-FS is a screening tool for pediatric feeding disorders and not a diagnostic test.The MCH-FS appears to be a valid instrument for screening feeding disorders in children within the general population. Pediatric feeding disorders seem to be underdiagnosed, suggesting a need for improved identification and follow-up. Future studies should include clinical data to better characterize affected children. Despite potential selection and participation biases, the study highlights the value of the MCH-FS, which could be particularly useful in targeted populations, especially those with comorbidities.
