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Validation of responses reported by school-aged siblings of hospitalized children
Insights
Pediatric hospitalization impacts siblings, affecting their feelings and behaviors. This study developed and validated scales to measure these perceived changes in children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Pediatric Health
- Family Studies
Background:
- Pediatric hospitalizations significantly impact not only the patient but also their siblings.
- Understanding the psychosocial effects on siblings is crucial for comprehensive family-centered care.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture the unique experiences of siblings during a child's hospitalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the measurement of perceived changes in feelings and behaviors among siblings of hospitalized children.
- To develop and validate assessment tools for different age groups of siblings.
Main Methods:
- A Perceived Change Scale was employed to gather data from siblings aged 5-17.
- Younger siblings (5-10 years) were assessed via structured interviews.
- Older siblings (11-17 years) completed questionnaires.
Main Results:
- The questionnaire for older siblings demonstrated adequate reliability, criterion validity, and concurrent validity, forming a single dimension.
- The structured interview for younger siblings yielded three dimensions, with a lower reliability coefficient (alpha).
Conclusions:
- The developed scales provide a means to measure the effects of pediatric hospitalization on siblings.
- The findings suggest age-specific approaches may be necessary for assessing sibling experiences.
- Further research and application of these scales are recommended for clinical and research settings.
Abstract:
This study examined measurement of the effects of a pediatric hospitalization on siblings using a Perceived Change Scale. Data on perceived changes in feelings and behaviors were obtained from 39 siblings 5 to 10 years of age in a structured interview and from 41 siblings 11 to 17 years of age with a questionnaire. Responses to the questionnaire used to assess perceived changes in older siblings formed a single dimension with adequate reliability, criterion validity, and concurrent validity. Responses to the structured interview used for younger siblings formed three dimensions, with a lower alpha coefficient. Suggestions for use of these scales are made.