Internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the Chinese version of the self-report health-related quality of life measure for children and adolescents with epilepsy

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this validation study was to evaluate the internal consistency (internal reliability) and test–retest reliability (external reliability) of the Chinese version of the self-report health-related quality of life measure for children and adolescents with epilepsy. Methods Children and adolescents with epilepsy between the ages of 8 and 18 years were conveniently sampled in two regional hospitals in Hong Kong. They were requested to complete the 25-item questionnaire twice, with a test–retest interval of 10 to 14 days. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were measured with Cronbach’s α coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. Results A sample of 50 patients completed the first questionnaire. Internal consistency was adequate on four of five subscales and marginal in the remaining one. Forty-two subjects repeated the questionnaire. The test–retest reliability was acceptable for all five subscales. Conclusions The Chinese version of the health-related quality of life measure for children and adolescents with epilepsy demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Further studies are required to study other psychometric properties such as construct validity and factor analysis.