Developing a Self-Report Tool to Measure Functional Limitation in Children Aged 7-12 Years with Physical Dysfunction

Abstract

Objective: To develop a self-report questionnaire to measure functional limitation in children aged 7- 12 years with physical dysfunction. Study design: Methodological research design Method: The study was conducted in phases: drafting of the questionnaire, content validation, pilot testing, revision of the questionnaire, field testing and test-retest reliability. A total of 66 items were generated through a review of the literature and interviews of twenty five children, their parents and health-care professionals. Qualitative and quantitative content validation through expert review and item reduction resulted in a 59-item questionnaire which was pilot tested on a sample of 10 children with physical dysfunction. With further inputs the questionnaire was revised. Thus, the final questionnaire with 60 items in two versions (a child and a caregiver’s version) in both Hindi and English was developed. Results: Qualitative review and Content validity was established for the Children’s Functional Limitation Scale. The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.91), moderate agreement between parents and children (weighted kappa= 0.718) and good test-retest reliability (weighted kappa=0.88). Conclusion: “Children’s Functional Limitation Scale” is a valid and reliable tool for documenting difficulties perceived by children with physical dysfunction. Also, the study demonstrates ability of children to reliably report their limitations. Keywords: Functional limitation, Activities of Daily living, Self-Report, Questionnaire, Children with physical dysfunctions