Measuring quality of life in children referred for psychiatric problems: Psychometric properties of the PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales [IF: 2.0]

A. Bastiaansen, H.M. Koot, I.L. Bongers, J.W. Varni, F.C. Verhulst

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Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™ 4.0) generic core scales and assess its usefulness in measuring quality of life (QoL) in a child psychiatric population. Methods: Reliability and validity of the PedsQL were assessed in 310 referred children (ages 6-18 years) and a comparison group consisting of 74 non-referred children (ages 7-18 years), and the parents in both groups. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a four-factor solution. Internal consistency reliability for the PedsQL Total Scale Score (α = 0.84 child self-report, α = 0.87 parent proxy-report), Psychosocial Health Score (α, = 0.70 child self-report, α = 0.81 parent proxy-report), and most subscale scores were acceptable for group comparisons. Correlations between scores of fathers and mothers were large. Criterion-related validity was demonstrated by significantly lower PedsQL scores for referred vs. non-referred children. Significant correlations between PedsQL scales and measures of psychopathology showed convergent validity. Small correlations between PedsQL scales and intelligence of the child evidenced discriminant validity. Conclusion: The PedsQL seems a valid instrument in measuring QoL in children referred for psychiatric problems.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)489-495
Number of pages7
JournalQuality of Life Research
Volume13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004

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