The dimensional structure and an item analysis of the cerebral palsy quality of life questionnaire for children (Chinese version) / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To analyze the dimensional structure and the item characteristics of the Chinese version of the cerebral palsy quality of life questionnaire for children (CPQOL-child).Methods:Multi-dimensional and single-dimensional item response models were used. Ninety children aged 4 to 12 with cerebral palsy were evaluated using the CPQOL-child. The internal consistency was determined by analyzing the correlations among the different dimensions using a multi-dimensional response model. Dimensions were merged or split based on a one-dimensional Rasch analysis of the primary and secondary dimensions to revise the main and additional questionnaires.Results:The multi-dimensional item response model analysis found greater than 0.90 correlation among the four dimensions of social well-being and tolerance, function, participation ability and physical health, and emotional health and self-esteem, showing that they have good internal consistency and could be analyzed as the primary dimension. The correlation coefficients relating the other three dimensions were relatively low and could be analyzed as secondary dimensions. A single-dimension Rasch analysis was used to form a revised CPQOL main questionnaire consisting of 40 items, with three additional questionnaires for pain and disability impact consisting of 8 items, for access to services consisting of 6 items, and for family health consisting of 3 items. Compared with the original 65 items, the 8 items deleted were mainly about relationships between children and with siblings, providing respite services, as well as community and school services.Conclusions:Applying the Chinese version of the CPQOL-Child in Shanghai requires appropriate adjustments based on the children′s cultural background.