A Comparison Using Parent Report and Direct Observation of Mealtime Behaviors in Young Children With Cystic Fibrosis: Implications for Practical and Empirically Based Behavioral Assessment in Routine Clinical Care

Abstract

Parental stress and mealtime behavior problems have been found to be elevated in families with a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF). The purpose of this study was to conduct an exploratory comparison of parent report and direct observation of mealtime behaviors and parenting strategies in young children with CF. We take a pragmatic approach in that we strive to provide additional clinical validity for the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS). Data are based on 19 families with a young child with CF who participated in a larger multisite study. Results indicated significant agreement between the two methods for a number of child and parent behaviors at mealtimes. Results of this study provide useful information for practitioners who are following the CF Foundation Nutrition Guidelines related to behavioral assessment of mealtimes and using the BPFAS as part of routine care.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Supported by the NIH/NIDDK (Grants #R01 DK54915 and K24 DK59973 to SWP), General Clinical Research Center at Cincinnati Children's (NCRR Grant #M01 RR08084), and Genentech Foundation for Growth and Development (Grants #96-81 and 97-76R). We thank the following individuals for assisting with this research: the CCHMC CF Center Staff as well as C. Curtis McAfee, Melissa K. Maynard, Molly L. Heidemann, and Racquel F. Henry (Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center). We also thank the families who graciously agreed to participate in our research.