Validity and Reliability Test of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System in Indonesian Language in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Aim This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Indonesian version of the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) in children with cerebral palsy. Method The EDACS was translated and culturally adapted into Bahasa Indonesia using the FACIT (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy) translation methodology, aligning with established international cross-cultural adaptation guidelines such as. Content validity was confirmed through expert review and cognitive debriefing interviews. Inter-rater reliability (κ) was assessed across three pairings: Speech Therapists (STs), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Residents, and cross-professionally. Results A total of 30 children with cerebral palsy (range 3–16 years) were classified. Inter-rater reliability showed very strong agreement among STs (κ level = 0.871; κ assistance = 1.000). Strong agreement was found among Residents (κ level = 0.703; κ assistance = 0.788), with the highest disagreement reaching 2 levels on EDACS Level I classifications. Cross-professional agreement was very strong (κ level = 0.828; κ assistance = 0.895). Conclusion The Indonesian EDACS is confirmed to be valid and reliable for clinical use. The demonstrated strong to very strong cross-professional reliability supports its consistent use as an effective, multidisciplinary communication tool for STs and PM&R Residents.