Precision and sensitivity of the short-form pediatric enuresis module to assess quality of life (PEMQOL)

PurposeTo evaluate a derived short-form version of the Pediatric Enuresis Module to assess Quality of Life (PEMQOL) Child and Family Impact Scales, a survey intended for use in clinical practice and research as a means of continuous monitoring of the impacts of enuresis on the child and family.Materials and methodsThe full-length PEMQOL was completed by parents in two clinical trials (n = 143 and n = 397, respectively) and for children receiving care at five specialty clinics (n = 208). The short-form scales were derived using regression and factor analysis. Multitrait scaling analysis was used to evaluate item internal consistency and discriminant validity. Reliability was estimated using Cronbach's alpha. Clinical validity was computed by comparing the proportion of variance explained by the short-form scales relative to their respective full-length versions. Differences in scores were examined by: (1) less wetting episodes, (2) number of pads used and (3) changes over time.Results and conclusionsThe Child and Family Scales were reduced from 14 to 7 items and 17 to 9 items, respectively. Eighty six percent (median) of items in the Child Scale and 100% in the Family Scale met item level scaling criteria. Median alpha coefficients across seven sub-samples were 0.72 and 0.76, respectively. Relative validity estimates for the Family Scale ranged from 2.66 to 0.87. Findings for the Child Scale were lower and ranged from 0.78 to 0.54.