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Development and validation of the Pediatric Stroke Quality of Life Measure
Author(s) -
Fiume Andrea,
Deveber Gabrielle,
Jang ShuHyun,
Fuller Colleen,
Viner Shani,
Friefeld Sharon
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.13684
Subject(s) - intraclass correlation , cronbach's alpha , medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , construct validity , proxy (statistics) , stroke (engine) , physical therapy , pediatric stroke , pediatrics , confidence interval , psychometrics , clinical psychology , ischemic stroke , statistics , ischemia , mechanical engineering , nursing , mathematics , engineering
Aim To 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 ). Method Utilizing 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 (Peds QL ), 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 . Results The 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 Peds QL was moderate, suggesting the PSQLM operationalizes QoL distinct from the Peds QL . 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). Interpretation The PSQLM demonstrates sound psychometric properties. Further research will seek to increase its clinical utility by reducing length and establishing responsiveness for descriptive and longitudinal evaluative assessment. What this paper adds A pediatric stroke‐specific quality of life (QoL) measurement tool for assessments based on perceptions of importance and satisfaction. Moderate‐to‐high reliability and validity established for a new clinical scale evaluating QoL among children with stroke. Perceived QoL measured using the Pediatric Stroke Quality of Life Measure appears lower in children with neurological impairment.