Article

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a new short and simple measure of physical
function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: The
Juvenile Arthritis Functionality Scale (JAFS) is a 15-item questionnaire that
explores physical function in 3 body areas (lower limbs, hand/wrist, and upper
segment). Validation of the Italian version of the instrument was accomplished by
evaluating 211 consecutive JIA patients ages 2.2-18 years. The instrument's
feasibility, face and content validity, construct and discriminative ability,
internal consistency, interrater reliability, and responsiveness to clinical
change were examined. JAFS psychometric properties were compared with those of
the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (C-HAQ). RESULTS: The JAFS was
found to be feasible and to possess both face and content validity. The JAFS
score correlated with most of the other JIA outcome measures in the range
predicted, thereby demonstrating good construct validity, and discriminated well
among different levels of disability. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha)
was 0.82. The intraclass correlation coefficients between raters (mothers,
fathers, and children) and between reported and observed level of function ranged
from 0.65 to 0.84. The JAFS revealed fair responsiveness, with a standardized
response mean ranging from 0.42 to 0.56. Comparison with the C-HAQ indicated that
the JAFS may be superior in terms of construct validity and reliability, and at
least as good in terms of discriminant validity and responsiveness. CONCLUSION:
The JAFS exhibited good reliability, construct validity, and discriminative
ability and fair responsiveness, and is therefore a valid instrument for the
assessment of physical function in children with JIA.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI