Screening of Swallowing and Feeding-Related Problems in Typically Developing Children

SEREL ARSLAN S., Elmalı Y., Harmancı Ö., Yılmaz A. Y.

Clinical Pediatrics, vol.62, no.10, pp.1209-1216, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 62 Issue: 10
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/00099228231154137
  • Journal Name: Clinical Pediatrics
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.1209-1216
  • Keywords: children, mother, swallowing, feeding, screening
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to define swallowing and feeding-related problems among typically developing children aged between 2 and 6 years. The presence of food selectivity, limited appetite, chewing dysfunction, and dysphagia signs was questioned and scored as “absent” or “present” according to parent report. Children were divided into 2 groups: children with swallowing and feeding disorders and children without swallowing and feeding disorders. The Turkish version of the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (T-BPFAS) was used to evaluate feeding behaviors of children, and Turkish version of the Feeding/Swallowing Impact Survey (T-FS-IS) was used to measure the impact on caregivers. A total of 234 children were included. Food selectivity was defined in 62.4% (n = 146), limited appetite in 26.9% (n = 63), and chewing dysfunction in 7.3% (n = 17). The most common dysphagia-related sign was coughing. There were significant differences between groups in terms of both T-BPFAS and T-FS-IS (P <.001). In conclusion, children with typical development have experienced a wide range of swallowing and feeding-related problems, which have an impact on mothers’ perceptions regarding feeding and their quality of life.