Assessing chronic musculoskeletal pain associated with rheumatic disease: Further validation of the Pediatric Pain Questionnaire

Abstract

Evaluated the validity, stability, and clinical utility of the Pediatric Pain Questionnaire (PPQ), a comprehensive, multidimensional instrument for assessing childhood pain. Previous studies demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of the PPQ using small samples. Results of the current study, using a large sample (N = 100) of children and adolescents with chronic pain associated with rheumatic disease, were consistent with initial validation studies. High correlations were found among visual analog scale (VAS) pain intensity ratings obtained from parents, physicians, and patients. Significant correlations also were found between pain ratings and measures of disease activity and functional status. VAS ratings evidenced moderate stability over a 6-month period in this sample of youth with relatively stable disease activity. Other components of the PPQ provide comprehensive information that is clinically useful for treatment planning and evaluation.