Validation of Persian Version of PedsQL™ 4.0TM Generic Core Scales in Toddlers and Children

Introduction: to evaluate the reliability, validity and feasibility of thepersian version of the pediatric quality of life inventory (pedsql™4.0tm 4.0) generic core scales in iranian healthy students ages 7-15 andchronically ill children ages 2-18.methods: we followed the translation methodology proposed bydeveloper to validate persian version of pedsql™ 4.0tm 4.0 genericcore scales for children. six hundred and sixty children and adolescentsand their parents were enrolled. sample of 160 healthy students werechosen by random cluster method between 4 regions of isfahaneducation offices and 60 chronically ill children were recruited from st.alzahra hospital private clinics. the questionnaires were fulfilled by theparticipants.results: the persian version of pedsql™ 4.0tm 4.0 generic corescales discriminated between healthy and chronically ill children (healthystudents mean score was 12.3 better than chronically ill children, p < 0.001).cronbachs’ alpha internal consistency values exceeded 0.7 for childrenself reports and proxy reports of children 5-7 years old and 13-18 yearsold. reliability of proxy reports for 2-4 years old was much lower than0.7. although, proxy reports for chronically ill children 8-12 years old wasmore than 0.7, these reports for healthy children with same age group wasslightly lower than 0.7. constructive, criterion face and content validitywere acceptable. in addition, the persian version of pedsql™ 4.0tm 4.0generic core scales was feasible and easy to complete.conclusion: results showed that persian version of pedsql™4.0tm 4.0 generic core scales is valid and acceptable for pediatrichealth researches. it is necessary to alternate scoring for 2-4 years oldquestionnaire and to find a way to increase reliability for healthy childrenaged 8-12 years especially, according to iranian culture.