Rasch model of the child perceptions questionnaire in multi-country data

Area of Science:

• Psychometric evaluation of health-related quality of life instruments.
• Pediatric oral health research.
• Cross-cultural validation of questionnaires.

Background:

• Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) instruments require robust psychometric properties.
• The 16-item Short Form Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ_11-14 ISF-16) had not been fully psychometrically examined for children aged 11-14 years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the measurement accuracy, precision, invariance, and dimensionality of the CPQ_11-14 ISF-16.
• To assess the suitability of extending the age range of the CPQ to 8-15 years.
• To refine the CPQ_11-14 ISF-16 for improved clinical utility.

Main Methods:

• Rasch model analysis was applied to data from 6648 children aged 8-15 years across multiple countries.
• Answer options were reduced to enhance response precision.
• Items exhibiting dependency beyond the latent construct were identified and removed.

Main Results:

• The questionnaire was reduced to 14 items after removing two items (Shy/embarrassed, Concerned what others think).
• The resulting 14-item CPQ was unidimensional and demonstrated cross-cultural validity.
• No differential item functioning was found for age, supporting an extended age range.

Conclusions:

• The analysis supports a 14-item version of the CPQ with an extended age range of 8-15 years.
• The refined questionnaire is valid and reliable for assessing OHRQoL in children.
• The shortened, age-extended CPQ enhances usability in clinical care and research.