Psychometric evaluation of the Scandinavian version of the caregiver priorities and child health index of life with disabilities

Purpose: To examine test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Scandinavian version of the caregiver priorities and child health index of life with disabilities (CPCHILD) questionnaire for children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Families were recruited in Sweden and Norway and stratified according to the gross motor function classification system levels I-V for children born 2000-2011, mean age 7.9 (SD 3.2). Construct validity based on the first questionnaire (n = 106) was evaluated for known groups, using linear regression analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to estimate test-retest reliability (n = 64), and Cronbach's alpha was calculated as an indicator of internal consistency. Results: The questionnaire showed construct validity and the ability to discriminate between levels of gross motor function for the total score and all domain scores (p < 0.05). Test-retest reliability was high with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.92 for the total score and of 0.72-0.92 for the domain scores. Cronbach's alpha was 0.96 for the total score and 0.83-0.96 for the domain scores.

Conclusions: The Scandinavian version of the CPCHILD for children with CP seems to be a valid and reliable proxy measure for health related quality of life.

Implications for rehabilitation: Valid and reliable outcome measures are needed to evaluate whether follow-up programs enhance health related quality of life in different countries. The Scandinavian version of the caregiver priorities and child health index of life with disabilities (CPCHILD) was evaluated for known-groups validity and test-retest reliability. The Scandinavian version of the CPCHILD is a sound and valid measurement for evaluation and comparison of health related quality of life of children with cerebral palsy in different countries.