Assessing the responsiveness of the Brazilian FIS to treatment for traumatic dental injury

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the responsiveness of the Brazilian version of the Family Impact Scale (B-FIS) to describe changes in the quality of life (QoL) after treatment for traumatic dental injury (TDI). After applying the eligibility criteria, 156 patients from 2 to 14 years old, who were attending a dental trauma center, were selected over an 18-month period. QoL was evaluated at two different appointments: A1 (after TDI) and A2 (after TDI treatment). The B-FIS scores were calculated using the additive method. The responsiveness was analyzed by standardized response means (SRMs). Mean B-FIS scores were 12.1 (7.5 SD) and 2.7 (4.4 SD), while the median scores were 12.0 and 2.0, at A1 and A2 (P < 0.01), respectively. The B-FIS responsiveness scores dropped 9.4 points after TDI treatment. The change was observed as a decrease in the impact after TDI treatment, demonstrating a positive reduction in its absolute number as well as an improvement in the family's QoL. The SRM achieved was as follows: 1.2 total scale, 1.1 parental emotions, 0.5 family conflicts, 0.9 parental/family activity, 0.1 financial burden. The B-FIS scores indicated that TDI has significant impact on the family's QoL in A1 and still has impact in A2. The change was observed as a positive decrease in the impact after TDI treatment. The responsiveness of the FIS (Brazilian version) in detecting the family's change in QoL after TDI treatment was confirmed by SRM.