Elsevier

Value in Health

Volume 11, Issue 4, July–August 2008, Pages 645-658
Value in Health

The KIDSCREEN-52 Quality of Life Measure for Children and Adolescents: Psychometric Results from a Cross-Cultural Survey in 13 European Countries

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4733.2007.00291.xGet rights and content
Under an Elsevier user license
open archive

Abstract

Objective

This study assesses the reliability and validity of the European KIDSCREEN-52 generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire for children and adolescents.

Research Design

The KIDSCREEN-52, which measures HRQoL in 10 dimensions, was administered to a representative sample of 22,827 children and adolescents (8 to 18 years) in 13 European countries. Psychometric properties were assessed using the Classical Test Theory approach, Rasch analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM). A priori expected associations between KIDSCREEN scales and sociodemographic and health-related factors were examined. Test–retest reliability was assessed in 10 countries.

Results

For the overall sample, Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.77 to 0.89. Scaling success (Multitrait Analysis Program) was >97.8% for all dimensions and Rasch analysis item fit (INFITmsq) ranged from 0.80 to 1.27. The intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.56 to 0.77. No sizeable differential item functioning (DIF) was found by age, sex or health status. Four items showed DIF across countries. The specified SEM fitted the data well (root mean square error of approximation: 0.06, comparative fit index: 0.98). Correlation coefficients between Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Child Health and Illness Profile-Adolescent Edition, and Youth Quality of Life Instrument scales and KIDSCREEN dimensions assessing similar constructs were moderate for those (r = 0.44 to 0.61). Statistically significant differences between children with and without physical and mental health problems (Children with Special Health Care Needs screener: d = 0.17 to 0.42, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: d = 0.32 to 0.72) were found in all dimensions. All dimensions showed a gradient according to socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

The KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire has acceptable levels of reliability and validity. Further work is needed to assess longitudinal validity and sensitivity to change.

Keywords

child and adolescents health
cultural sensitivity
measurement
quality of life
research methodology

Cited by (0)

KIDSCREEN international co-ordinator in chief:

Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.

Members of the KIDSCREEN Group:

Austria: Wolfgang Duer, Kristina Fuerth; Czech Republic: Ladislav Czemy; France: Pascal Auquier, Marie-Claude Simeoni, Stephane Robitail; Germany: Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer, Michael Erhart, Jennifer Nickel, Bärbel-Maria Kurth, Angela Gosch, Ursula von Rüden; Greece: Yannis Tountas, Christina Dimitrakakis; Hungary: Agnes Czimbalmos, Anna Aszman; Ireland: Jean Kilroe, Celia Keenaghan; The Netherlands: Jeanet Bruil, Symone Detmar, Eric Veripps; Poland: Joanna Mazur, Ewa Mierzejeswka; Spain: Luis Rajmil, Silvina Berra, Cristian Tebé, Michael Herdman, Jordi Alonso; Sweden: Curt Hagquist; Switzerland: Thomas Abel, Corinna Bisegger, Bernhard Cloetta, Claudia Farley; United Kingdom: Mick Power, Clare Atherton, Katy Phillips.

Advisors: Jordi Alonso, Jacob Bjorner; Stef van Buuren, Michael Rigby, Alan Tennant, John Ware, Liz Waters.