Validation of the Korean version of the Brace Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability and validity of an adapted Korean version of the Brace Questionnaire (K-BrQ).

METHODS: The Greek version of the BrQ was translated/retranslated, and all steps of the cross-cultural adaptation process were performed. The K-BrQ and the previously validated Korean version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Outcomes questionnaire (K-SRS-22) were mailed to 120 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Reliability assessments were conducted using kappa statistics to assess item agreements, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Cronbach's α values were calculated. Convergent validity was evaluated by comparing the K-BrQ and K-SRS-22 scores and discriminant validity by analyzing relationships between the K-BrQ scores and patient characteristics.

RESULTS: 103 patients filled in questionnaires twice. All items of the K-BrQ had kappa values of agreement of >0.6. The K-BrQ showed an excellent test/re-test reliability with an ICC of 0.913. The internal consistency of the K-BrQ was found to be very good (α = 0.872). The convergent validity testing demonstrated a strong correlation between the K-BrQ and K-SRS-22 (r = 712). The correlation between the K-BrQ and major curve magnitude was significant (r = -0.302).

CONCLUSION: The adapted K-BrQ showed satisfactory reliability and validity and is thus considered suitable for monitoring the quality of life of Korean-speaking patients with AIS during brace treatment.