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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Psychometric testing of the modified Care Dependency Scale among hospitalized school-aged children in Germany
Hanan Tork1, Christa Lohrmann, Theo Dassen
1Department of Nursing Science, Center for Humanities and Health Sciences, Charity Medical University, Berlin, Germany. hannan.tork@charite.de
Insights
This study validates the Care Dependency Scale for Paediatrics, a reliable tool for assessing hospitalized children's self-care needs. Nurses can use this scale to better support children in gaining independence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Psychometrics
- Child Health Assessment
Background:
- Assessing care dependency in hospitalized children is crucial for tailored nursing interventions.
- Existing tools may require adaptation for pediatric populations.
- Understanding self-care limitations informs care planning and promotes child independence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the psychometric properties of the modified Care Dependency Scale in a pediatric context.
- To determine the reliability and validity of the scale for school-aged children.
- To explore the self-care dependency levels in hospitalized children aged 6-12 years.
Main Methods:
- The modified Care Dependency Scale was administered to 130 hospitalized children (aged 6-12).
- Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and inter-rater agreement.
- Criterion-related and construct validity were examined using the Visual Analog Scale and factor analysis.
Main Results:
- The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and moderate-to-substantial inter-rater reliability.
- Factor analysis supported a one-factor structure, indicating good construct validity.
- Criterion-related validity was supported by comparisons with the Visual Analog Scale.
Conclusions:
- The Care Dependency Scale for Paediatrics is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing pediatric care needs.
- The scale provides a comprehensive nursing perspective on child dependency.
- Findings support the use of the scale to facilitate children's acquisition of independence.
Abstract:
The objectives of this study were to examine the psychometric properties of the modified Care Dependency Scale in a pediatric setting and to explore the extent of dependency of school-aged children regarding their self-care. The data were collected from 130 hospitalized children, aged 6-12 years. The reliability was determined by Cronbach's alpha, which showed a high level of consistency. The subsequent inter-rater reliability revealed moderate-to-substantial agreement. The criterion-related validity was tested by comparing the sum scores of the Care Dependency Scale for Paediatrics and the Visual Analog Scale. Factor analysis was used to investigate the construct validity and resulted in a one-factor solution. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the Care Dependency Scale for Paediatrics is a valid and reliable measure that offers a comprehensive assessment from a nursing perspective and enables nurses to help children acquire independence.
