Some psychometric properties of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Version 4·0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL™) in the general Serbian population

• Published in: Quality of life research Vol. 20; no. 6; pp. 945 - 949
• Main Authors: Stevanović, Dejan, Lakić, Aneta, Damnjanović, Maja
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 01.08.2011
• Subjects: Adolescents; Child psychiatry; Construct validity; Correlations; Emotional problems; Pediatrics; Physical health; Psychometrics; Quality of life; Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0962-9343

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the general measurement properties of the Serbian version of the Pédiatrie Quality of Life Inventory™ Version 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL™) self-report versions for children and adolescents (8-18 years). Methods The PedsQL™ was completed by 238 children and adolescents. The version was descriptively analyzed first. Afterward, internal consistency and construct and convergent validity were analyzed using the classic test theory psychometrical procedures. Results The PedsQL™ scale score means ranged 70.65-88.34, with the total score was 80.74. Scale internal consistency reliability determined by Cronbach's coefficient was above 0.7 for all except the School, 0.65, and Emotional Functioning Scale, 0.69. The statistics assessing the adequacy of the model in confirmatory factor analysis revealed poor model fit for the current structure of the PedsQL™. Finally, the PedsQL™ total and psychosocial health showed convincing negative correlations with emotional and conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer relationship problems. Conclusions The Serbian PedsQL™ scales have appropriate internal consistency reliability, sufficient for group evaluations, and good convergent validity against psychological constructs. However, there are problems regarding its current construct validity (factorial validity).