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Some psychometric properties of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Version 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQLTM) in the general Serbian population

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the general measurement properties of the Serbian version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Version 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQLTM) self-report versions for children and adolescents (8–18 years).

Methods

The PedsQLTM was completed by 238 children and adolescents. The version was descriptively analyzed first. Afterward, internal consistency and construct and convergent validity were analyzed using the classic test theory psychometrical procedures.

Results

The PedsQLTM scale score means ranged 70.65–88.34, with the total score was 80.74. Scale internal consistency reliability determined by Cronbach’s coefficient was above 0.7 for all except the School, 0.65, and Emotional Functioning Scale, 0.69. The statistics assessing the adequacy of the model in confirmatory factor analysis revealed poor model fit for the current structure of the PedsQLTM. Finally, the PedsQLTM total and psychosocial health showed convincing negative correlations with emotional and conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer relationship problems.

Conclusions

The Serbian PedsQLTM scales have appropriate internal consistency reliability, sufficient for group evaluations, and good convergent validity against psychological constructs. However, there are problems regarding its current construct validity (factorial validity).

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Acknowledgments

We cordially thanks to the reviewers’ comments that helped us to significantly improve the article.

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Correspondence to Dejan Stevanović.

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Stevanović, D., Lakić, A. & Damnjanović, M. Some psychometric properties of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Version 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQLTM) in the general Serbian population. Qual Life Res 20, 945–949 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-010-9833-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-010-9833-z

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