[Reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the health and quality-of-life questionnaire, the Vecú et Santé Perçue de l'Adolescent (VSP-A)].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Vecú et Santé Perçue de l'Adolescent (VSP-A) in terms of reliability and validity.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Pilot study parallel to the European Kidscreen project. Two secondary schools, one public and one private, were selected for their suitability in Barcelona and Gerona (Catalonia, Spain). The sample unit was the classroom.

PARTICIPANTS

A sample of 354 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years old was selected.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

The Spanish VSP-A questionnaire was administered, and again a week later to check its test-retest stability. The KINDL questionnaire was administered in parallel.

RESULTS

The response rate was 82% (n=291). The Spanish version of the VSP-A showed good internal consistency and acceptable test-retest reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.69-0.92, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.69-0.74) in most domains. Domains measuring a similar concept in the VSP-A and KINDL had closer correlation coefficients than those measuring different constructs (P<.05), which demonstrates its convergent validity. Girls had worse self-perceived health than boys (lower vitality, physical and emotional well-being and self-esteem, and a lower general score on the VSP-A; p<.01). These differences were more obvious in older teens (16-18 years old).

CONCLUSIONS

The Spanish VSP-A showed good psychometric properties and results were consistent with the original French version. The results mean we have an adequate HRQL instrument for teens and for use in primary care and public health.