Concurrent validity of PROMIS metrics with the EOSQ-24 in early onset scoliosis

To evaluate the concurrent validity of 3 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric metrics (Mobility, Pain Interference, and Anxiety) in Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) by using the 24-item EOS Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) as an anchor.

We retrospectively reviewed PRO data of children with EOS from April 2021 to June 2023. PROMIS Pain Interference, Mobility, Anxiety, and EOSQ-24 were simultaneously completed. Comparisons were made according to each EOSQ-24 domain with Pearson correlations. Correlations above 0.7 indicate a strong relationship, 0.4 to 0.69 indicate a moderate relationship, and 0.1 to 0.39 indicate a weak relationship.

236 children (84 boys, 152 girls) ages 10.4 ± 3.5 years (range: 5-19 years) with curves averaging 39° ± 22° were included. The strongest correlations between the 3 PROMIS metrics and each EOSQ-24 domain were between Mobility and EOSQ-24 Physical function (r = 0.75, p < 0.001), Pain Interference and EOSQ-24 Pain/discomfort (r = -0.68, p < 0.001), and Anxiety and EOSQ-24 Emotion (r = -0.51, p < 0.001). The weakest correlations between all 3 PROMIS metrics and each EOSQ-24 domain were for General health (r ≤ 0.35, p < 0.001), Financial impact (r ≤ 0.36, p < 0.001), and Pulmonary function (r ≤ 0.39, p < 0.001).

The 3 PROMIS metrics (Mobility, Pain Interference, Anxiety) demonstrate moderate to strong validity with the related EOSQ-24 domains (Physical function, Pain/discomfort, Emotion). The weak associations between EOS-specific concerns demonstrate diverging constructs. This study supports the use of the EOSQ-24 given the adequate associations with the appropriate domains while highlighting the value of other EOSQ domains.