Danish translation, adaptation and validation of the ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire for children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose To translate and cross-culturally adapt the ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire into Danish and assess its psychometric properties in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Materials and methods A Danish version of the parent-reported ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire was created through a standardized translation process. Dimensionality (confirmatory factor analysis), reliability, smallest detectable change, floor and ceiling effects, and Rasch analysis were carried out. Results One-hundred-and-fifty children diagnosed with CP were included. No parent had difficulty completing the ABILHAND-Kids (DK). Psychometric testing demonstrated a unidimensional scale, excellent test-retest reliability (ICC2.1A = 0.97) and internal consistency (α = 0.96). A smallest detectable change of 5.15 points was considered acceptable. One item showed Differential Item Functioning, four pairs of items showed signs of local dependence and one item had disordered thresholds. Nevertheless, analyses did not lead to the removal of any items. Item thresholds covered most levels of person abilities. Lastly, 24.7% scored within measurement error at the ceiling of the scale, indicating that it was not possible to measure further improvement. Conclusion ABILHAND-Kids (DK) seems to be a valid, reliable and comprehensive measurement scale to assess manual ability in children with CP. It can be used in goal setting and to inform future interventions and rehabilitation evaluation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Impaired hand function leads to limited participation in activities of everyday life in children with cerebral palsy. Adequate outcome measures of hand function are crucial for the planning and evaluation of interventions. The Danish version of ABILHAND-Kids is a valid and reliable measure of manual ability in children with cerebral palsy, and it can be used in clinical practice and for research purposes.