Psychometric properties of a translated arabic version of cerebral palsy-quality of life questionnaire: primary caregiver form

Background In the context of child rehabilitation, quality of life (QOL) is an important health-related outcome measure that has a great clinical utility as it can guide practice.Study objectives The aim of this study was to develop a translated Arabic version of primary caregiver form of cerebral palsy QOL questionnaire for children aged 4–12 years (CP QOLـChild) and to assess its validity and reliability to be readily used in Arabic and Egyptian cultures.Patients and methods The original English version of CP-QOL questionnaire was translated into Arabic language using forward–backward translation method, and then a cross-sectional survey was conducted including 200 children with cerebral palsy aged 4–12 years and their caregivers. Caregivers of children were interviewed to collect data about their demographic characteristics, age, and sex of their children. They were asked to fill the translated Arabic version of QOL questionnaire. Assessment of psychometric properties including test–retest reliability, internal consistency, and item internal consistency was conducted.Results The translated questionnaire showed excellent test–retest reliability and good internal consistency as the intraclass correlation ranges from 0.88 to 0.97 and Cronbach’s α exceeds 0.7 except for the domains of family health and emotional well-being. The majority of the items have moderate to good correlation with their domain scores. Four out of seven domains showed significant correlation with Gross Motor Function Classification System.Conclusion The translated Arabic version of CP-QOL questionnaire (caregiver form) is valid and reliable and could be used to assess quality of life of children with cerebral palsy in Arab-speaking population.