Paediatrics Publications
Measurement equivalence of the short-form Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE-16).
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2019
Journal
Epilepsy & Behavior
Volume
90
First Page
142
Last Page
147
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.11.024
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to assess measurement equivalence in the 16-item short-form Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE-16) across age, sex, and time in a sample of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy.
METHODS:
Data came from 373 children participating in the Health-related Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy Study (HERQULES), a multicenter prospective cohort study. Measurement equivalence was assessed using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis methods. Comparison groups were stratified by age (4-7 years vs. 8-12 years), sex (male vs. female), and time (at diagnosis vs. 24 months postdiagnosis).
RESULTS: The QOLCE-16 demonstrated measurement equivalence at the level of strict invariance for each comparison group tested - age: χ
SIGNIFICANCE:
The findings provide support for the robust psychometric profile of the QOLCE-16 as a reliable and valid measure of health-related quality of life for children with epilepsy. Demonstrating good properties and a multidimensional structure, the QOLCE-16 is an appropriate short measure for both clinicians and researchers wanting to obtain health-related quality of life information on children with epilepsy.
