: This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with problematic mealtime behaviors in Filipino children aged 3-11 years diagnosed with ASD and to validate the Filipino-translated Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI) for clinical use. The study examined demographics, socioeconomic status, and clinical characteristics of children with ASD in relation to feeding difficulties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 166 caregivers of Filipino children with ASD at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. The BAMBI questionnaire, translated and validated into Filipino, was administered among patients evaluated under the Section of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics. Content validity was established through neurodevelopmental pediatric experts, while face validity was achieved with feedback from 17 caregivers during the pilot test. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed to identify the factors. RESULTS: The Filipino-translated BAMBI demonstrated good content and face va- lidity based on reviews and pilot testing. The tool showed acceptable internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.75, indicating good reliability. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of participants scored above the threshold for problematic mealtime behaviors, with multivariate analysis revealing a significant association between these behaviors and sensory sensitivities (OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2 to 7.3, p = 0.0150). Additional factors, such as dietary habits and family structure, also showed trends toward significance but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This study validates the Filipino BAMBI as a reliable tool for assessing mealtime behaviors in children with ASD, highlighting the high prevalence of feeding problems in this population. Sensory sensitivities emerged as a significant factor contributing to problematic mealtime behaviors, underscoring the importance of incorporating sensory processing strategies in interventions. Further research should explore other contributing factors, such as dietary habits and family dynamics, to develop more comprehensive, tailored interventions for children with ASD and their families.
Autism spectrum disorder ; mealtime behaviors ; feeding difficulties ; BAMBI ; parent questionnaire ; risk factors

Objectives: To determine the burden of COVID-19 related mental health problems such as anxiety and/or depression among caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders in a government tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Out-patient Department of PCMC. Caregiver data sheet and HADS-P forms were given to eligible caregivers. Results: A total of 102 caregivers were included. The prevalence of significant risk for anxiety disorder among caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders is 34.31% (n=35), 1.96% (n=2) for depression and 3.92% (n=4) for both anxiety and depression. Using logistic regression, marital status of common law partner and female sex have significant association with depression and anxiety; the number of household members has a direct association to significant risk for both anxiety and depression. Conclusion Female sex and common law partnership as marital status are associated with 2-3 times of having significant risk for anxiety or depression. The number of household members is correlated with an increased significant risk of having both anxiety and depression. Screening caregivers using appropriate tests would identify caregivers at significant risk for anxiety and depression and further create intervention programs.
Anxiety ; Depression ; Caregiversl ; Neurodevelopmental Disorders ; COVID-19 ; Mental Health

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 resulted in a public health emergency and quarantine measures which may negatively impact vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVES: This study intends to determine the quality of life, situations and emerging concerns of parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders during the ongoing pandemic. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey using a socio-demographic questionnaire, situations and emerging concerns during the coronavirus pandemic and WHOQOL-BREF (Filipino version) for parental quality of life was documented via Google Forms. Parents of patients aged 2-18 years seen at the PCMC Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics OPD during July to December 2019 were recruited. RESULTS: Data from 115 respondents showed a lower score in the environmental domain. Child characteristics comparable with QoL scores include sex, severity of ID and ADHD while parent characteristics comparable with the QoL scores include educational attainment, monthly family income, father’s employment status and family structure (P-value <0.05). Most respondents reported situations of physical distancing (82.61%) and curfew (80.87%). Inability to access essential services (43.48-74.48%) were further compounded by limited financial resources (51.30%) and public transport (60%). Government policy received included quarantine pass (90.43%), food allowance or relief package (86.09%), disinfection (60.87%), DSWD-SAP (42.61%) and cash distribution (41.74%). RECOMMENDATIONS Programs and policies should be planned accordingly to provide improvement of quality of life to parents and their child with neurodevelopmental disorder.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders