Translation and Response Validation of Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for the Child’s Primary Caregiver (Kannada Version): A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a collection of long-term conditions that impact posture and movement, frequently accompanied by cognitive, sensory, behavioural and communication abnormalities. Children with CP experience a variety of effects on their Quality of Life (QOL), including social, emotional and physical aspects. The CP-specific questionnaire, known as the CP QOL-Child, has not yet been translated or validated in the Kannada language, limiting its applicability in regions where Kannada is the primary language. Aim: To translate and validate the CP QOL-Child Primary Caregiver questionnaire into Kannada. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional cultural study conducted at Department of Paediatric Physiotherapy, KLE College of Physiotherapy, Hubballi, Karnataka, India, over the course of one month (September 14, 2024, to October 14, 2024). It included 50 children with CP (ages 4-12) and their primary caregivers. The Child Primary Caregivers were given a Kannada-translated questionnaire and the data were collected. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and CP QOL were evaluated and compared. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to evaluate the internal consistency of CP QOL scores; a value of >0.7 was considered indicative of internal consistency and response validity. Results: The mean age observed was 8.1±2.3 years, with 36 (72%) of the children being diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia. Cronbach’s alpha scores for the items in each quality-of-life area demonstrated very good reliability, ranging from 0.687 to 0.882. Overall, the QOL was found to be 41.8±4.2. QOL significantly decreased as GMFCS levels increased, particularly at levels IV (42.8±1.5) and V (36.8±1.4). Pain and the impact of disability showed no significant differences across the GMFCS levels. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the Kannadatranslated CP QOL-Child Primary Caregiver questionnaire (for ages 4-12) is a reliable tool for assessing parent-reported CP QOL in Kannada-speaking primary caregivers.