Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to develop a Parental Perception of Toddler and Preschooler Feeding Assessment Index (PPTPFAI) and analyze the index’s reliability and validity for confirming its characteristic.
Methods: Based on a literature review, we prepared a preliminary index consisting of 27 items. These self-report questionnaires were administered to 571 parents of 1–6-year-old children at public health centers and schools. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability and factor analysis were performed.
Results: Valid responses were obtained from 213 parents. Four factors with 18 items were extracted: (1) Assisting children to eat on their own initiative, (2) taking care of children’s health and regulating their eating lifestyles, (3) demanding good manners, and (4) understanding children’s wants. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the overall scale was 0.83, and for the subscales ranged from 0.62 to 0.79. The test–retest reliability was 0.78 or more. The scores on PPTPFAI were negatively correlated with scores on the Parenting Stress Index Short Form.
Conclusion: This study found that the PPTPFAI constructed 18 items and four factors was developed, and had moderate reliability and validity.
