Psychometric properties of the DUKE Health Profile-adolescent version (DHP-A): A generic instrument for adolescents

Purpose: Quality of life in general population of adolescents has been scarcely documented. The study was aimed at evaluating the psychometric properties of the DUKE Health Profile-Adolescent version (DHP-A), an adaptation from the adult version.Material and method: Feasibility and construct validity were assessed in a sample of 618 adolescents from school settings. Test-retest reliability was assessed in another sample of 100 adolescents at 2 weeks interval. Construct validity was assessed in groups by gender, age and existence of a health problem.Results: The DHP-A, a short instrument of HRQOL, easy to administer, proved its ability to discriminate between boys and girls, with or without a health problem, for all of health and dysfunction dimensions (p < 0.05). Its reliability is also acceptable for three health dimensions and anxiety, depression (ICC = 0.68-0.72), moderate for social, perceived health, self-esteem and pain (ICC = 0.43-0.59), and debatable for disability (ICC = 0.22) (single item). Conclusion: The initial testing of the adolescent version (DHP-A) indicates that the psychometric properties are acceptable and will provide a useful tool for the assessment of health status in adolescents. Three single-item dimensions (perceived health, pain and disability) should be interpreted with caution.