Translation and validation of the Korean version of the QUAlity of Life Assessment in Spina bifida for Teenagers (QUALAS-T-K)

Abstract

Purpose: The Quality of Life Assessment in Spina bifida for Teenagers (QUALAS-T) is a tool used to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents with spina bifida (SB). The purpose of this study was to translate the QUALAS-T into Korean and validate its Korean version (QUALAS-T-K).

Methods: Translation and validation processes were carried out in accordance with a specified protocol, including forward and back translation, a content validity study, and a main study. The tool’s reliability was evaluated based on its internal consistency and stability. Factor analysis was conducted,

and convergent validity was confirmed using the KIDSCREEN-27.

Results: Of the 59 participants, 35 had lipomyelomeningoceles. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that QUALAS-T-K had the same structure as QUALAS-T. The QUALAS-T-K showed excellent internal consistency (α: 0.872–0.893, ω: 0.875–0.885), test–retest reliability (ICC:0.84–0.92), and weak to strong correlations with the KIDSCREEN-27.

Conclusions: The QUALAS-T-K, developed by reflecting on the characteristics of SB and considering the applicability of Korean cultural characteristics and clinical practice, is a convenient and reliable tool with excellent internal consistency and stability. This could be a useful tool in clinical and research

settings for HRQOL evaluation of adolescents with SB.