Construct and Criterion Validity of the PedsQL™ 4.0 Instrument (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) in Colombia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health Measurement
• Quality of Life Research
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Assessing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric populations is crucial for comprehensive healthcare.
• The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL™ 4.0) is a widely used instrument for measuring HRQOL in children.
• Establishing the validity of translated instruments in specific cultural contexts is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the PedsQL™ 4.0 for Colombian children.
• To evaluate the PedsQL™ 4.0's suitability for measuring HRQOL across different age groups in Colombia.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional validation study was conducted involving 375 children (5-17 years) and 125 parents (2-4 years) across five Colombian cities.
• Construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.
• Criterion validity was evaluated by correlating PedsQL™ 4.0 scores with the KIDSCREEN-27 instrument.

Main Results:

• Factor analysis supported a four-factor structure for both child and parent reports, with good internal consistency indicated.
• Bartlett's test confirmed inter-correlation among variables, supporting the scale's structure.
• The study identified specific items that may require review or exclusion in the Colombian version.

Conclusions:

• The Spanish version of the PedsQL™ 4.0 demonstrates adequate criterion and construct validity for assessing HRQOL in Colombian children.
• The PedsQL™ 4.0 is a valuable tool for measuring pediatric HRQOL in Colombia.
• Recommendations are provided for refining the Colombian version of the PedsQL™ 4.0 to enhance its applicability.