Reflections on the Methodological Development and Utility of the Kidscreen-52 Quality of Life Questionnaire: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach
Abstract
Aims: The purpose of this study is to review the methodology for item generation in the KIDSCREEN-52 quality of life questionnaire which currently being used in 17 countries (Ravens-Sieberer, 2014 & 2008; Robitail et al 2006) and to find out if it might be considered for adaptation of survey items with vulnerable populations. The reasons for conducting this study is the need of methodological insights both in cross-cultural adaptations of questionnaires in multilingual health-related research (Perneger et al., 1999) and research on vulnerable populations (Liamputtong, 2007 & 2008).
Our reseach questions are: What methodological principles do emerge in evidence-based literature relevant to immigrant children? In what ways are these principles present in the methodology of Kidscreen-52? Methods Due to the cross-disciplinary uniqueness of our study, we have adopted the intrinsic study design (Creswell, 2003). To answer the first research question, we conducted a rapid review of the evidence-based literature relevant to immigrant children.
To answer the second research question, we have conducted a methodological examination of the item generation in Kidscreen-52 (Bullinger et al, 1998). Results First research question: The rapid review has highlighted three methodological principles: Providing relational authenticity (Noddings, 2013; Noddings 2015; Valenzuela, 1999).
Ensuring higher level of reflexivity (Liamputtong, 2007; Liamputtong, 2008). Enhancing verbal and non-verbal expression (Punch, 2012).
Second research question: The previously identified methodological principles occurred mainly in the Kindscreen-52 focus groups which were used to generate survey items (Detmar et al, 2006): By enabling peer interactions the Kidscreen-52 focus groups have provided relational authenticity. By covering a greater range of experiences the Kidscreen-52 focus groups have enhanced reflexivity which is instrumental in capturing cross-cultural experiences of vulnerable populations (Punch, 2012).
By providing group dynamics the Kidscreen-52 focus groups have served as a catalyst for verbal and non-verbal expression (Morgan, 1988). Conclusions Researchers often are in need of adapting survey items age-appropriately (Bollweg et al, 2020; Nassar-McMillan & Borders, 2002).
Focus groups utilized for item generation of Kidscreen-52 demonstrated this potential intrinsically and cross-culturally (Detmar et al, 2006).