Reliability and validity of the Italian version of the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities in children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract

Background: The Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD™) questionnaire is a reliable indirect indicator of functional, health status and quality of life in children with severe Cerebral Palsy (CP), as well as the caregiving burden. The aim of the study is to validate the Italian translation of Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD™) questionnaire and assess its reliability and validity.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The study involved 60 caregivers of children with CP, classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-V. There was a self-compilation of the CPCHILD™ by primary caregivers during the clinical visit and a re-administration of the questionnaire 2-3 weeks after the first to a defined sample (N.=30, GMFCS IV-V). The Italian version of CPCHILD™'s psychometric properties were evaluated through internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity analyses.

Results: The translated CPCHILD™ questionnaire showed excellent test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient - ICC=0.97) across most sections, with significant construct validity, differentiating well between the various GMFCS levels. The internal consistency was robust (Cronbach's alpha=0.852) except for the health section. The face validity indicated high relevance of the questionnaire items to the caregivers, particularly in emotional well-being and social interaction.

Conclusions: The Italian version of CPCHILD™ questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the quality of life in children with severe CP, offering insights into the care burden and health status impacts perceived by caregivers.