Reliability of the Korean Version of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted to psychometrically assess 40 children with CP. Reliability was evaluated by a physician in pediatric rehabilitation, a speech-language therapist (SaLT), and caregivers. Results: In the evaluation of each level and level of assistance in the EDACS, the agreement observed between the physician and speech therapist was almost perfect (kappa W = 0.940, 0.919). The agreement between the physician and the caregiver was substantial (kappa W = 0.618, 0.592), whereas it was moderate between the therapist and caregiver (kappa W = 0.557, 0.556). Intra-rater reliability remained almost perfect, with the physician (kappa W = 0.979), the SaLT (kappa W = 0.980), and caregivers (kappa W = 0.980). The EDACS showed moderate to high correlation with the Functional Oral Intake Scale, Gross Motor Function Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System, and Communication Function Classification System (K tau = -0.863, 0.656, 0.720, 0.616). Conclusions: These findings support the Korean EDACS as a reliable tool for classifying eating and drinking abilities in children with CP, thereby enhancing its clinical utility and communication among non-professionals and professionals.