Psychometric properties of the DUKE Health Profile-adolescent version (DHP-A): a generic instrument for adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
Quality of life in general population of adolescents has been scarcely documented. The study was aimed at evaluating the psychometric properties of the DUKE Health Profile-Adolescent version (DHP-A), an adaptation from the adult version.


METHODS
Feasibility and construct validity were assessed in a sample of 618 adolescents from school settings. Test-retest reliability was assessed in another sample of 100 adolescents at 2 weeks interval. Construct validity was assessed in groups by gender, age and existence of a health problem.


RESULTS
The DHP-A, a short instrument of HRQOL, easy to administer, proved its ability to discriminate between boys and girls, with or without a health problem, for all of health and dysfunction dimensions (p < 0.05). Its reliability is also acceptable for three health dimensions and anxiety, depression (ICC = 0.68-0.72), moderate for social, perceived health, self-esteem and pain (ICC = 0.43-0.59), and debatable for disability (ICC = 0.22) (single item).


CONCLUSIONS
The initial testing of the adolescent version (DHP-A) indicates that the psychometric properties are acceptable and will provide a useful tool for the assessment of health status in adolescents. Three single-item dimensions (perceived health, pain and disability) should be interpreted with caution.
Vo
Thi Xuan Hanh
TX
Public health department, University Training Center for health care professionals of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Guillemin
Francis
F
Deschamps
Jean-Pierre
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012650:Self Disclosure; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires