Psychometric properties of the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation-French version: an exploratory study in...

This study aimed to determine (1) the psychometric properties of the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation-French version (CASP-Fr) in children and adolescents with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), (2) their participation levels, and (3) factors associated with participation.

This cross-sectional study included 85 parents of children/adolescents followed in a rehabilitation department after ABI (61% boys, mean [SD] age at injury/assessment 5.6 [3.9]/10.5 [3.4] years). Parents assessed participation using the Child and Adolescent Participation Scale-French version (CASP-Fr) (64% response rate). Demographic, clinical, severity and environmental information were collected from the medical files and a parental questionnaire.

Internal consistency was good (Cronbach α = 0.85) for the total score. Participation levels were relatively high for home- (94%) and school-related activities (95%), but were relatively lower for complex community activities (82%). Participation was significantly associated with maternal education level, and marginally associated with initial coma and type of ABI (worse in severe TBI). No other demographic, clinical, or severity factor was associated with participation.

Results demonstrate the good psychometric properties of the CASP-Fr. Participation should be systematically assessed, preferably combining parent- and self-reports. In particular, children (and families) should be questioned about participation in elaborate and complex activities.