Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Family Impact Module (PedsQL FIM).

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study analysed the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire Family Impact Module (PedsQL FIM) in the Argentinian population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sample included 232 caregivers, of who 108 were parents of children with chronic diseases (mean, 9.54; standard deviation [SD], 4.43) and 124 parents of children in the general population (mean, 12.37; SD, 4.6). RESULTS: We assessed the validity of the instrument with the known-groups method, finding significant differences between the case and control groups in the overall and subscale scores (P < .01). We also assessed test validity by means of exploratory factor analysis, which yielded an 8-factor model that explained 74.03% of the variance. We assessed reliability with the Cronbach alpha and found a high internal consistency (α=0.95). CONCLUSION: The PedsQL module proved to be a valid and reliable tool to assess the impact of a chronic paediatric condition on caregiver quality of life and family functioning.