Reliability of FUNDES-Child-SE - measuring participation and independence of children and youths with disabilities
Authors: Jennifer Gothilander, Anna Ullenhag, Henrik Danielsson & Anna Karin Axelsson
Abstract:
Background: There is a need for an instrument to measure participation and independence in children with disabilities. FUNDES-Child-SE has its origin in the participation questionnaire Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation.
Aims: Test the psychometric properties of internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
Material and methods: This cross-sectional study included caregivers of 163 children with
disability aged 6–18 years, 59 of whom were also included in the test-retest study. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the proportions of valid ratings. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were tested through Cronbach’s alpha and the intra-class correlation coefficient.
Results: The amount of not relevant/not applicable ratings was substantial but varied
between items and subdomains. Internal consistency was acceptable (0.8–0.95), and the
test-retest was marginal to excellent (0.73–0.95).
Conclusions: The reliability together with the content validity support the use of the
FUNDES-Child-SE to measure participation and independence in children with disabilities.
However, results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and
possible selection bias. Modifications to reduce the not relevant/not applicable responses
should be investigated together with the instrument’s responsiveness.
Significance: FUNDES-Child-SE can be used to facilitate a discussion of participation and
independence and to plan interventions in a habilitation setting.
This research is financed by: Swedish Research Council
