Construct validity and reliability of the participation scale (P-scale) in individuals with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2024 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2023.2183327 · Published: May 1, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how well the Participation Scale (P-scale) measures the real-world involvement of adults with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). It checks if the P-scale scores are consistent (reliable) and if they align with other measures of function, mood, and accessibility (valid). The study involved 100 adults with SCI. Researchers assessed their participation using the P-scale and compared it with measures of functional independence, depression, and perceived accessibility to see if the P-scale accurately reflects their experiences. The P-scale was found to be a reliable and valid tool for measuring participation in individuals with SCI. This means it can be used to assess how well individuals with SCI are involved in life situations and to identify areas where they may need more support.

Study Duration

Between January and March 2021

Participants

One hundred individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
The P-scale demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.873) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC2,1= 0.992; 95% CI = 0.987–0.994).
2
The P-scale showed significant correlations with measures of functional independence, depression, and perceived accessibility, indicating good construct validity.
3
Mean scores on the P-scale differed significantly between groups with and without depressive symptoms, neuropathic pain, and functional dependence, suggesting the P-scale can differentiate between these conditions.

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study evaluated the reliability and construct validity of the Participation Scale (P-scale) in 100 adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). The P-scale demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability and adequate internal consistency. It also showed significant correlations with measures of functional independence, depression, and accessibility perception, supporting its construct validity. The findings suggest that the P-scale is a reliable and valid tool for assessing participation in individuals with SCI, which can be valuable in both research and clinical settings.

Practical Implications

Clinical Assessment

The P-scale can be used by clinicians to assess the participation levels of individuals with SCI, helping to identify areas where interventions may be needed to improve their involvement in life situations.

Research Tool

The P-scale can be used in research studies to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving participation among individuals with SCI.

Identifying Barriers

The P-scale, in conjunction with other measures, can help identify specific barriers (e.g., accessibility issues, depression) that limit participation for individuals with SCI, informing targeted interventions.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in a single developing country, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations and contexts.
2
The study included only individuals with access to rehabilitation and injury time no longer than four years, potentially affecting the representativeness of the sample.
3
High test-retest reliability might be influenced by the fact that the measures were administered while participants were hospitalized for rehabilitation, a more stable environment than the community.

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