Contribution to the translation and validation of the KidsLife scale for occupational therapy practice in Portugal

Abstract

Abstract: Considering the small number of instruments translated and validated in Portugal, which are an asset for clinical practice, the present study aims to carry out the entire process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the KidsLife scale. This is a descriptive study, with a mixed analysis methodology (qualitative and quantitative). This scale, of Spanish origin, created in 2016, assesses the quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents with intellectual disorders. It is filled in by an external observer, who has known the individual for at least 6 months, and who has the opportunity to live with the subject in various contexts. The scale is divided into eight domains that jointly determine the QOL of people with intellectual disorders: emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, material well-being, personal development, physical well-being, self-determination, social inclusion and rights. After authorization from the authors of the scale, all steps were followed for its cross-cultural adaptation. Two translations and respective synthesis of the translations were carried out. This was followed by the evaluation by a group of experts, where, after the second evaluation, values of perfect agreement between experts (k=1) were obtained. After completing the translation, the scale was applied to children and adolescents from a Cerebral Palsy Center in Alentejo. The scale's internal consistency was evaluated, obtaining a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.953, that is, an excellent internal consistency. We proceeded to the two retroversions, to the source language. The respective synthesis of the retroversions was presented to the authors for evaluation, obtaining the validation of the performed translation.