Reliability and Concurrent Validity of a Culturally Adapted Persian Version of the Brace Questionnaire in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

Study Design: Cross-sectional. Objectives: To determine the validity and reliability of culturally adapted Persian version of the Brace Questionnaire (P-BrQ). Summary of Background Data: The BrQ has proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating the quality of life of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and has been translated to different languages. But, lack of a Persian translated version makes its use impractical in the Persian speaking scoliotic patients. Methods: Forward and backward translation of P-BrQ was conducted according to the International Quality of Life Assessment guidelines. The final version of the P-BrQ was administered to 51 adolescents (1 boy and 50 girls) with idiopathic scoliosis. The mean age of the participants was 13.88 ± 2.14 years. The questionnaire's internal consistency was determined using Cronbach's alpha. A subgroup of 38 participants were randomly selected to complete the BrQ for a second time one week later. The test-retest reliability was then analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, while the concurrent validity was assessed by comparing the BrQ with the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire. Results: The total Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the P-BrQ was 0.96, and the overall intraclass correlation coefficient of the questionnaire was also 0.96. The intraclass correlation coefficients for the corresponding domains were as follows: general health perception, 0.96; physical functioning, 0.96; emotional functioning, 0.98; self-esteem, 0.80; vitality, 0.97; school activity, 0.98; pain, 0.97; and social functioning, 0.98. Conclusions: The culturally adapted Persian version of the BrQ can be used to assess the quality of life of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis who wear a brace. Level of Evidence: II. © 2018 Scoliosis Research Society