Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children

This study examines the validity and reliability of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) in the Turkish language.

This scale was translated into the Turkish language by applying the translation-back translation method and content validity analysis. A total of 1903 participants aged 5-15 years were included in the study. A sociodemographic data form, SDSC, and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) were filled by the parents. Internal consistency analysis, correlation analysis, test-retest analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to evaluate the reliability and validity of the applied scale.

The internal consistency of the scale was high (Cronbach α = 0.84). Test-retest reliability was found to be high as well. According to the confirmatory factor analysis, the Turkish version of the scale was compatible with the model of the original scale. According to the T-score evaluation, the frequency of sleep disorders was determined to be 4.15%, and the most common sleep disorder was sleep hyperhidrosis. Correlations between the scores of the SDSC and CSHQ were at a satisfactory level.

These results revealed that the SDSC is a valid and reliable scale that can be used in children aged 5-14 years in Turkey to question sleep disorder symptoms.