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Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
The development and evaluation of content validity of the Zambia Spina Bifida Functional Measure: Preliminary studies
Margaret M Mweshi1, Seyi L Amosun2, Mary P Shilalukey-Ngoma3
1Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Zambia.
Insights
A new functional measure, the Zambia Spina Bifida Functional Measure (ZSBFM), was developed to assess interventions for children with spina bifida (SB) in Zambia. This tool aids rehabilitation professionals in routine outcome measurement for improved pediatric care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Outcome Measurement
- Global Health
Background:
- Limited data exists on outcome measures for children with spina bifida (SB) in Zambia.
- A culturally sensitive tool is needed for rehabilitation professionals in sub-Saharan Africa to routinely measure intervention impact.
- This study addresses the need for a validated outcome measure for pediatric SB in Zambia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an appropriate and culturally sensitive instrument for evaluating interventions in children with spina bifida (SB) in Zambia.
- To establish a reliable tool for routine outcome measurement in pediatric rehabilitation settings.
- To provide a foundation for improving the quality of care for children with SB in the region.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods design incorporating retrospective domain identification and systematic review.
- Qualitative data generation through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions.
- Manifest content analysis for deductive categorization, with SPSS used for statistical analysis including alpha coefficient and content validity index.
Main Results:
- Key domains identified were self-care, mobility, and social function, with participation and communication as sub-domains.
- A total of 100 statements generated, from which 78 items were deductively selected.
- An alpha coefficient of 0.98 indicated high internal consistency, and expert judgment confirmed item validity.
Conclusions:
- The Zambia Spina Bifida Functional Measure (ZSBFM) was successfully developed with acceptable content validity.
- The ZSBFM is designed for children aged 6 months to 5 years to evaluate intervention effectiveness.
- Further studies report on the psychometric properties of reliability and construct validity for the ZSBFM.
Background:
Very little is known on outcome measures for children with spina bifida (SB) in Zambia. If rehabilitation professionals managing children with SB in Zambia and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa are to instigate measuring outcomes routinely, a tool has to be made available. The main objective of this study was to develop an appropriate and culturally sensitive instrument for evaluating the impact of the interventions on children with SB in Zambia.
Methods:
A mixed design method was used for the study. Domains were identified retrospectively and confirmation was done through a systematic review study. Items were generated through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data were downloaded, translated into English, transcribed verbatim and presented. These were then placed into categories of the main domains of care deductively through the process of manifest content analysis. Descriptive statistics, alpha coefficient and index of content validity were calculated using SPSS.
Results:
Self-care, mobility and social function were identified as main domains, while participation and communication were sub-domains. A total of 100 statements were generated and 78 items were selected deductively. An alpha coefficient of 0.98 was computed and experts judged the items.
Conclusions:
The new functional measure with an acceptable level of content validity titled Zambia Spina Bifida Functional Measure (ZSBFM) was developed. It was designed to evaluate effectiveness of interventions given to children with SB from the age of 6 months to 5 years. Psychometric properties of reliability and construct validity were tested and are reported in another study.
