The validity and reliability of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory for children living in Puerto Rico

Valid and reliable outcome measures are critical for the provision and assessment of physical therapy services. This research provides a methodology for evaluating standardized outcome measures for children with disabilities from distinct groups of people. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), an effective measure of function and disability for children in the United States, is translated into Spanish and evaluated for use with children living in Puerto Rico. This research defines function and disability for children living in Puerto Rico and establishes the meanings of these constructs in Puerto Rico. In a series of interviews and observations, caregivers of children with and without disabilities, teachers, and rehabilitation professionals provide information regarding the definitions and meanings of disability and function. Content validity is determined by comparison of items on the PEDI with actual functional activities children perform on a daily basis, analysis of structured questionnaires, and expert content review. Construct validity is evaluated by correspondence of the meanings of function and disability of the PEDI and of people living in Puerto Rico. Additionally, the PEDI is administered to children with and without disabilities drawn from a population defined by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographic region. Factor analysis and reliability testing of the items on the PEDI further evaluate the construct validity of the PEDI. Logistic regression tests the ability of the PEDI to discriminate between children with disabilities from those without in Puerto Rico.