Reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the KIDSCREEN-52 for child and adolescent population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the reliability and validity of the KIDSCREEN-52, a new questionnaire-of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), cross-culturally developed for children and adolescents in 13 European countries. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The KIDSCREEN-52 was sent by post to a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 8-18 years old. Sociodemographic characteristics and other measures of HRQoL were collected. A health needs instrument was collected from parents. Psychometric properties were assessed using the classical test theory, and item response theory approaches. Test-retest reliability was assessed in 10% of the sample 2-4 weeks later. RESULTS: Response rate was 47% (n = 876). Cronbach's alpha values ranged from 0.74 to 0.86, and the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged between 0.55-0.79. Rasch analysis showed a good item-fit in each dimension (infit msq = 0.7-1.2). Confirmatory factor analysis confirms underlying structure of the 10 dimensions model (root mean square error of approximation [REMSEA] = 0.025; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.94). KIDSCREEN scores were better in boys, in younger children, in those who did not report health care needs, and in those in the high socioeconomic level. CONCLUSIONS: The KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire has acceptable levels of reliability and validity for the Spanish population aged 8-18. Further work is needed to assess sensitivity to change and its applicability in clinical settings.