Fatigue in children: Reliability and validity of the Dutch PedsQL TM Multidimensional Fatigue Scale

M. Suzanne Gordijn, Eline M.P. Cremers, Gertjan J.L. Kaspers, Reinoud J.B.J. Gemke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

101 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study is to report on the feasibility, reliability, validity, and the norm-references of the Dutch version of the PedsQL TM Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Methods: The study participants are four hundred and ninety-seven parents of children aged 2-18 years and 366 children aged 5-18 years from various day care facilities, elementary schools, and a high school who completed the Dutch version of the PedsQLTM Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Results: The number of missing items was minimal. All scales showed satisfactory internal consistency reliability, with Cronbach's coefficient alpha exceeding 0.70. Test-retest reliability was good to excellent (ICCs 0.68-0.84) and inter-observer reliability varied from moderate to excellent (ICCs 0.56-0.93) for total scores. Parent/child concordance for total scores was poor to good (ICCs 0.25-0.68). The PedsQLTM Multidimensional Fatigue Scale was able to distinguish between healthy children and children with an impaired health condition. Conclusions: The Dutch version of the PedsQLTM Multidimensional Fatigue Scale demonstrates an adequate feasibility, reliability, and validity in another sociocultural context. With the obtained norm-references, it can be utilized as a tool in the evaluation of fatigue in healthy and chronically ill children aged 2-18 years.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1103-1108
Number of pages6
JournalQuality of Life Research
Volume20
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fatigue
  • Health-related quality of life
  • Pediatrics
  • Validation study

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