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The PedsQL™ in Pediatric Asthma: Reliability and Validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Generic Core Scales and Asthma Module

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Abstract

The PedsQL™ is a modular instrument designed to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents ages 2–18. The PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales were developed to be integrated with the PedsQL™ Disease-Specific Modules. The PedsQL™ 3.0 Asthma Module was designed to measure pediatric asthma-specific HRQOL. The PedsQL™ was administered to 529 families. Internal consistency reliability was demonstrated for the PedsQL™ 4.0 Total Score (α = 0.90 child, 0.91 parent report) and Asthma Module (average α = 0.71 child, 0.86 parent report). The PedsQL™ 4.0 distinguished between healthy children and children with asthma. The validity of the PedsQL™ Asthma Module was demonstrated through intercorrelations with a previously standardized asthma disease- specific instrument. Responsiveness was demonstrated through patient change over time as a result of clinical intervention. The results demonstrate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the PedsQL™ required for an outcome measure in pediatric asthma clinical trials and research.

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Varni, J.W., Burwinkle, T.M., Rapoff, M.A. et al. The PedsQL™ in Pediatric Asthma: Reliability and Validity of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Generic Core Scales and Asthma Module. J Behav Med 27, 297–318 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOBM.0000028500.53608.2c

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOBM.0000028500.53608.2c

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