Psychometric Properties of the Modified Barthel Index for Children With Rare Disorders

• Published in: Journal of Korean Society of Occupational Therapy Vol. 28; no. 4; pp. 111 - 120
• Main Authors: Lim, Yoonjeong, Pritchard, Kevin T., Nam, Sanghun, Hong, Ickpyo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 대한작업치료학회 31.12.2020
• Subjects: 작업치료학
• ISSN: 1226-0134; 2671-4450
• DOI: 10.14519/kjot.2020.28.4.09

Objective: The Modified Barthel Index (MBI) measures individuals’ level of independence in performing activitiesof daily living. The purpose of this study was to examine the internal consistency and construct validity of theMBI for children with rare disorders. Methods: The study participants are children with rare disorders who have muscle weakness including Barthsyndrome and congenital muscular dystrophy (N = 113). The MBI was completed by participants in either anonline format utilizing the UF Qualtrics system or a pencil-and-paper format. Statistical analysis was conductedto examine the psychometric properties of the MBI. Results: The MBI showed excellent internal consistency for children with Barth syndrome (Cronbach’s α = .91)and congenital muscular dystrophy (Cronbach’s α = .93). Construct validity was supported by a significantdifference in MBI scores among participants grouped by diagnoses. MBI score was significantly differentbetween the unaffected group and congenital muscular dystrophy (p < .0001) as well as between the unaffectedgroup and Barth syndrome (p < .0001). Conclusion: The psychometric properties of the MBI present good reliability and construct validity suggestingsuitability for use as an outcome measure for children with rare disorders. KCI Citation Count: 0