Development and validation of the Pediatric Stroke Quality of Life Measure

AimTo develop and validate a disease‐specific parent proxy and child quality of life (QoL) measure for patients aged 2 to 18 years surviving cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) and arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS). MethodUtilizing qualitative and quantitative methods, we developed a 75‐item Pediatric Stroke Quality of Life Measure (PSQLM) questionnaire. We mailed the PSQLM and a standardized generic QoL measure, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), to 353 families. Stroke type, age at stroke, and neurological outcome on the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure were documented. We calculated the internal consistency, validity, and reliability of the PSQLM. ResultsThe response rate was 29%, yielding a sample of 101 patients (mean age 9y 9mo [SD 4.30]; 69 AIS [68.3%], 32 CSVT [31.7%]). The internal consistency of the PSQLM was high (Cronbach's α=0.94–0.97). Construct validity for the PSQLM was moderately strong (r=0.3–0.4; p<0.003) and, as expected, correlation with the PedsQL was moderate, suggesting the PSQLM operationalizes QoL distinct from the PedsQL. Test–retest reliability at 2 weeks was very good (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.85–0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.83–0.97) and good agreement was established between parent and child report (ICC 0.63–0.76). InterpretationThe PSQLM demonstrates sound psychometric properties. Further research will seek to increase its clinical utility by reducing length and establishing responsiveness fo...
Source: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology - Category: Child Development Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research