Validation of the Arabic nine-item arfid screen parent-report (NIAS-PR) and indirect associations with parental stress and child emotional symptoms

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the Nine Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Screen—Parent Report (NIAS-PR) and validate a tool suitable for identifying ARFID symptoms in Arabic-speaking populations. This study also aimed to assess whether parent-reported child anxiety and depression were associated as potential indirect correlates of the relationship between parental stress and parent-reported ARFID traits in children. A total of 502 parents completed the survey in this cross-sectional study. The children of the participating parents ranged in age from 7 to 13 years. Higher parental stress was associated with higher parent-reported child anxiety and depression, and higher parent-reported child anxiety/depression was associated with more avoidant/restrictive eating behavior. Additionally, higher parental stress was associated with more avoidant/restrictive eating behavior in children. The Arabic NIAS-PR was shown to be a reliable screening tool for our sample. However, further research is needed to explore more diverse cultural contexts to form targeted interventions.