Responsiveness property of the traditional Chinese version of the 24-item Early-onset scoliosis questionnaires

Abstract

Introduction: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) imposes significant burden on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients and caregivers. The 24-Item Early-onset Scoliosis Questionnaires (EOSQ-24) is a locally validated measurement tool to evaluate the overall impact of EOS on patients’ physical, psychological, and socio-economic well-being. We aimed to investigate the responsiveness property of the EOSQ-24 in detecting changes in HRQoL outcomes. Methods: We recruited caregivers of 100 EOS patients. The EOSQ-24 was completed by the caregiver at baseline and at 6 months after treatment with observation, bracing, or surgery. Paired differences in each domain and subdomain of EOSQ-24 were calculated with paired t test. Mean changes in EOSQ-24 scores were analysed using the global rating of change scale (GRS) as an anchor for detecting changes in caregiver-perceived general health over time. Further analysis was made with respect to patient age, Cobb’s angle at recruitment, aetiology, ambulatory status, and treatment. Results: Significant paired differences comparing baseline and follow-up EOSQ-24 scores were observed in the vast majority of subdomains and domains. Significant positive correlations were found in multiple EOSQ subdomains in the group with improved GRS (n=28). For the group with unchanged GRS (n=60), significant improvement was observed in subdomains of general health, pulmonary function, mobility, physical function, daily living, emotion, and financial burden. In the group with worsened GRS (n=7), no significant correlation was shown. There was no significant correlation with age, Cobb’s angle, aetiology, ambulatory status, and treatment. Conclusion: We concluded that EOSQ-24 was responsive in detecting improvement in HRQoL outcomes from caregivers’ perspectives.