Validation of the Korean Version of a Knowledge Assessment Tool for Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing disease of the intestine, with approximately 5-14% of patients diagnosed during childhood. Previous studies have shown that knowledge of IBD is associated with treatment adherence, highlighting that assessment of disease knowledge is an important component of ongoing management. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Knowledge Inventory Device 2 (IBD-KID2) is a validated English-language knowledge assessment tool for children with IBD, but there is currently no Korean version. This study aimed to develop the Korean version of IBD-KID2 (K-IBD-KID2) and assess the validity and reliability in evaluating disease-related knowledge in Korean children with IBD.

The cross-cultural adaptation process was conducted in three stages. Conceptual equivalence was assessed by experts using the content validity index, with all items scored for cultural comprehension/appropriateness (proportion required ≥ 0.78). Semantic equivalence was assessed using the forward/back translation process. Measurement equivalence was assessed with a prospective study among Korean children with IBD at a tertiary care center. Participants completed the K-IBD-KID2 twice over a 2-week interval to assess reliability, validity, and generalizability, as measured against the overall scores from English-speaking children with IBD.

Results indicated high conceptual equivalence, with all items scoring > 0.78. The prospective study included 50 children with IBD (mean age, 15.3 years, standard deviation, 2.2); 15 (30%) were female, and 40 (80%) with Crohn's disease The mean initial percentage score for the K-IBD-KID2 was 61.7% (standard deviation 16.3), with no association found with any independent variables. The repeat test showed a mean score of 61.3% (standard deviation 16.4), with no significant difference between baseline and repeat (P = 0.790, confidence interval, -0.39 to 0.51) and a high correlation (r = 0.792; P < 0.001). The mean scores of Korean children with IBD were not significantly different from those of children in English-speaking cohorts and Italian cohorts (P = 0.9 and 0.8, respectively). Items with < 50% correct answers were observed for items related to IBD cause, osteoporosis, food triggers, and nutrient absorption.

The Korean version of the IBD-KID2 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing disease-related knowledge among Korean children with IBD. It can facilitate tailored educational interventions to improve disease-related knowledge among children with IBD, potentially improving long-term management and outcomes.