Responsiveness of EQ-5D Youth version 5-level (EQ-5D-5L-Y) and 3-level (EQ-5D-3L-Y) in Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study Design. Prospective cohort study Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of EQ-5D Youth version (EQ-5D-Y) 5-level and 3-level in patients with idiopathic scoliosis Summary of Background Data. A new version of EQ-5D-Y increasing the number of response levels from 3 (3LY) to 5 (5LY) has been recently introduced. Although the validity and reliability of 5LY and 3LY for use in idiopathic scoliosis patients are compared, responsiveness of two questionnaires among children and adolescents is unknown. Methods. A total of 129 children or adolescents attending the spine clinics of a tertiary hospital in Hong Kong, China, completed 3LY and 5LY. At 3-month follow-up, 110 (85.2%) patients completed two EQ-5D-Y questionnaires, and the single-item Global Rating on Change Scale determining worsened,, unchanged,, or improved global health. Among those indicating unchanged in global health from baseline to follow-up, agreement in responses to each 3LY and 5LY item was examined. Mean changes in EQ-5D-Y scores during the past 3 months in patients with worsened, unchanged, and improved health were calculated. Results. Most patients (82.7%) reported no change in global health, whereas about 12.7% and 4.5% of them felt better and worse, respectively, compared to baseline. Among those reporting unchanged health, the Looking after myself item exhibited the largest proportion of agreement in responses (5LY: 96.36%; 3LY: 95.50%), followed by Mobility (5LY 90.91%; 3LY 90.99%), Usual activities (5LY 83.64%; 3LY 87.39%), Pain/discomfort(5LY 68.18%; 3LY 76.58%), and Feeling worried/sad/unhappy (5LY 66.36%; 3LY 72.07%). In the improved or worsened group, the 3-month follow-up 5LY and 3LY scores were higher or lower compared with baseline, respectively. Conclusion. The 5LY is demonstrated as responsive as the 3LY for patients with idiopathic scoliosis.